Looking for advice on Presidential 91 Tawny

[Ken M.]

Moderators, please feel free to move this to the Basics forum if that is the more appropriate location.

With all respect and admiration for the port lovers who populate this forum, I am not a fortified wine aficionado. My knowledge of the wine's aging behavior, vintages, brand names and reputations is nonexistent.

I have been storing a bottle of port in my cabinet for decades now. I have no idea if it long ago turned undrinkable, if it was considered a good wine to start with, if it is getting more desirable, or if it has turned into something valuable through the sheer passage of time. Would anybody like to chime in and tell me whether it is best used as a casual drinking wine, a special occasion treat, an investment, or a discard?

The bottle is a Presidential Porto, 30 Years Old Tawny. "Matured in wood - Bottled in 1991"
750ml, Alcohol 20% by vol.
Produced bottled and shipped by C. Da Silva (Vinhos) S.A. Oporto

The bottle condition is excellent and the seal is secure and undamaged. The bottle has been stored upright rather than on its side. Almost entirely stored in a dark closet indoors, but not in a temperature-controlled wine cabinet or cellar.

Thanks for your insights, opinions, or advice!

[Eric Menchen]

A thirty year old tawny can be a wonderful thing. People around here can debate whether it can improve with time in the bottle, but the general intention with these is that they are consumed not too long after bottling. Unlike a Vintage Port, they aren't really intended for long term aging. As such, while it would be fun to open your bottle and try it, it isn't something that has appreciated a lot in value, and won't appreciate more. It probably has a short T-stopper cork, and that along with upright storage probably hasn't helped things either. Impress your friends with it on some special occassion.

[Andy Velebil]

Hi Ken,

Presidential is the USA brand name for Dalva. Same Port just different name for us here in the States. Wish they would just make it all Dalva, but that's another topic.

Eric is pretty spot on with his comments. I will only add that my limited experience with old bottlings of Dalva (Presidential) Tawny's is they haven't aged gracefully. Still have been pleasant but have generally turned a bit cloying and flabby, lacking in freshness. That's pretty typical of most tawny's which have been kept in bottle for extended periods, not just Dalva/Presidential.

What concerns me the most is where it was stored. But Port can surprise sometimes, so I suggest opening it to see how you like it. Since I am sort of a Port Boy Scout, maybe have a back up bottle just in case you aren't keen on it. Always gotta be prepared for a Port emergency

[Ken M.]

Thank, guys. I appreciate the tips. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but won't hold unrealistic expectations.

[Andy Velebil]

When you open it let us know how it was. Doesn't need to be any fancy tasting note or such, an impression is just as valuable.