About 2 years ago I was introduced to port by my a friend and it has become a small obsession of mine trying to find one that can match it as a sipping drink on a nice day. I've tried a variety of the lower end bottles, almost all under $30 and non vintage or late 200x vintage mostly from fonseca and grahms and nothing I have bought can match what I remember. Sadly I've fallen out of contact with my friend before I had a chance to ask him any details about port, so I'm hoping maybe I can zero in on something of the same type here.
I'm bad at describing tastes but here goes. I'm looking for a port that comes off sweet, very strong tasting. Almost like a strong fruit flavor enhanced with a bit of sugar. Something that would be a bit overpowering if you drink too much in one sip. It doesn't need to have such a overbearing taste, my pallet is simple so I may be over describing it. To simplify it seemed like a very consolidated wine taste while still hinting at a sweet fruity flavor, or in one word sweet.
If anyone can recommend something that could come near this profile I would be forever grateful. Especially something i might be able to find for under $50 or so(i find it hard to justify more right now)
Thanks to everyone who read this and anyone who drops a comment to help me out.
Welcome to ! I'm really glad you found our site and have no fear, there are plenty of people here that will help you find something you like. I do need to ask what general area you live in, as that will really help us point you to something available in your area. I've also sent you an email, so if you could check that.
Here are a few Ports that may possibly fit what your looking for are;
Graham's Six Grapes
Fonseca Bin 27
Delaforce Fine Ruby
I've tried both Graham's Six Grapes and Fonseca Bin 27 and neither came close to the 'sweetness' I'm looking for. Especially the Bin 27 was rather bland. I'm really looking for something with a more powerful taste. I'd probably prefer to order online if I can too, not a huge fan of driving all over especially after the driving I have to do this weekend.
Also if you can, please state the year or the bottle, as stated I'd don't the most money to toss around and I know quality and taste can change drastically between years, so I'd like be as sure about the purchase as I can be.
Carlos Rodriguez wrote:Also Fonseca 10 years Tawny or Quinta do Noval LB.
Actually 'just' cracked open a bottle of Fonseca 10 year old tawny port(friday) and it was the closest I've had to what I'm looking for. The taste was about right, which surprised me, I assumed I was looking for a ruby. But it as just a little weak on the taste, looking for something a bit more, bold (hope that word describes it well).
Edward Nemergut wrote:Have you tried a good tawny yet? A 20-year tawny may have the sweetness you're looking for...
After the 10 year I'm going to have to look for a 20 year old bottle, if they build taste by age it may just be what I'm looking for.
My way of thinking atm
bin 27(bland) -> 10 year old(right taste but bit weak) -> 20 year old(another 10 years of taste growth / perfect?)
The Fonseca 20-yr old might be just what you're looking for. I wouldn't say that the taste builds with age, but it does change and mature. The 10-yr olds still have a decent amount of red or purple fruit flavors in them, while the 20-yr olds have changed mostly to dried fruits like apricots, figs, and sometimes prunes.
Another possibility (since you said you're looking for something sweet) would be the Graham's 20-yr old. It is definitely sweeter, but I also find it a little less complex than the Fonseca.
Some of the best 20-yr olds are the Ramos Pinto, Ferreira, and Sandeman. The Ramos Pinto tends toward the softer, nuttier side while the Sandeman tends toward the vibrant, citrusy side. (The Ferreira sits right between them.)
You did mention that you're trying to keep cost down, so a 20-yr old might be too expensive. Those typically cost around $50. If that's too much, you might want to try the Niepoort 10-yr old - to me, it is the closest you can get to a 20-yr old without having to pay for one.
Glenn E. wrote:Hi Ed,
while the 20-yr olds have changed mostly to dried fruits like apricots, figs, and sometimes prunes.
Sandeman tends toward the vibrant, citrusy side.
You did mention that you're trying to keep cost down, so a 20-yr old might be too expensive. Those typically cost around $50.
Enjoy!
Hmm citrusy seems like a good word to describe the taste I'm looking for, I'll have to take a look around for that one. I don't really mind a $50 bottle (though I would horde that like no other). If that's what it takes to get the taste I'm looking for I may stick with the fonseca 10 year for a regular drink, and break out the nicer bottle for special occasions.
Also the three fruits you describe in the 20 year do not sound appetizing. If I had to guess at it I'd say something more along the red berry side. Basically the fonseca just more pungent.
Hi Ed,
Why don't you go for a Vintage? While they still young they have fruity flavor and strength, but they has to be opened some hours before to drink them. You could try Dow's Quinta Do Bomfim 1998 or 1996, or if you like it with real power, Graham´s 1994 is the one you are looking for.
Ed F. wrote:Also the three fruits you describe in the 20 year do not sound appetizing. If I had to guess at it I'd say something more along the red berry side. Basically the fonseca just more pungent.
As the tawnies age, they lose the red berry flavors and take on more nutty and dried fruit flavors. It's because of their prolonged exposure to the oak barrels.
I'd say try the Sandeman 20-yr old. Conveniently, it's also usually a few bucks cheaper than some of the other 20-yr olds that I mentioned. I find it fairly regularly in the $40-$45 range. The citrus in it really covers up a lot of the other fruit flavors (at least to me), but if you want something that could be described as pungent then I think you'll probably like it.
! I'm really glad you found our site and have no fear, there are plenty of people here that will help you find something you like. I do need to ask what general area you live in, as that will really help us point you to something available in your area. I've also sent you an email, so if you could check that.
