Somewhat non-port related as this cheese is probably best suited with white wines, but my wife and I have fallen in love with Beemster Vlaskaas cheese. It's kind of hard to explain the flavor aside from calling it addictive. It starts off sweet and has just the right amount of sharpness to it (I've had sharper cheddars) and a consistency that is solid to the cut, but melts once it's in your mouth.
I've been stocking this cheese for the past year in my fridge and it's greatly satisfying when cut off about a half inch at a time of an 8oz block for snacking. The aftertaste lingers which almost makes you take your time while eating it to extend the flavor to it's full amount. Plenty of taste for all the little cuts I break off.
All the local Fred Meyer's I've been to stock it at about $16.99/lb so I wouldn't say it's economical, but unless you break it out often while entertaining guests it usually lasts me a few months at a 1/2lb at a time.
I've been to the upstate NY area and couldn't find it at the few Wegman's I went to, but it is on amazon.com if you want to give it a shot. It's very approachable by anyone and shouldn't turn anyone off.
http://www.beemster.us/en-us/the-cheese ... -vlaskaas/
From an internet search:
"With much encouragement Beemster decided to enter Vlaskaas in the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Competition, which is regarded as the most fierce cheese competition in the world. Vlaskaas took home a Gold Medal in its category and 3rd place in the overall competition!"
Beemster Vlaskaas cheese
Moderators: Glenn E., Roy Hersh, Andy Velebil