20 Year Old Tawny Port by Warre's Otima

[Andy Velebil]

This has always been a very well made 20 year tawny Port that has yet to disappoint. Lots of brown sugar, maple, carmel, chocolate, and orange peel all well balanced and executed. The long spicy finish with a touch of heat adds to an already complex tawny. A well done job by Warre's. 91 points
08/08/08

[Roy Hersh]

Andy,

Do you prefer it to the Warre's 20 year old Tawny Port or find distinct similarities between the two?

[Andy Velebil]

I prefer the Otima to their regular 20 year tawny. Although I've had the Otima a lot, I've only had the regular 20 year once and I was not thrilled by it at all. The regular one seemed simpler and didn't have the acidity that that Otima seems to have. The finish was also shorter on the regular one. I'd be curious as to what the difference is, if any, between them.

[Roy Hersh]

I'm sure that if you remember to ask during the Harvest Tour, you can get a very direct answer to that one. I don't know the difference but maybe someone else here will. I've had 'em both too. I completely agree with your assessment, but have found the Warre to be a decent bottling too, just not as good. It is one that takes 2-3 days open before it starts to show best. The Otima is a fine bottling and I can never understand why the 10 year old Otima has nowhere near as much pleasure for its genre.

[Andy Velebil]

I'm sure that if you remember to ask during the Harvest Tour, you can get a very direct answer to that one.

I've already added that to my ever-growing list of questions to ask this year.

[JacobH]

Am I right in thinking that the Otima is somewhat more expensive than the equivalent standard Warre Tawny? Not just in terms of per-bottle price but also because the Otima is sold in 50cl whilst the regular is (I think; correct me if I am wrong) 75cl?

[Andy Velebil]

yeah, we've complained about that before. its still a good price compared to some that are more expensive, but others that I compare it to can be had for the same price, yet come in 750ml size. So not really the best "value" per-se.