For The Love Of Port

Tawny ports are relatively new to me but I have an opportunity to acquire a few (Taylor and others), so . . .
Where, in the great pantheon of tawny ports, does the 20 year old Taylor rate? Which 20 year olds are the very best? Are there any 30's and 40's worth the extra investment vis a vis a quality 20?
Thanks for your help, afficianados

I would say that the Taylor 20-year old tawny is in the top echelon. There are a handful that I like better, but the Taylor is right up there.

My favorite is the Ramos Pinto. Many people like the Sandeman a lot, but I find it just a bit too acidic. The Ferreira Duque de Braganca is another favorite of many here on the forums, and it's probably my second favorite. Noval's 20-year old has been growing on me lately, too.

Vista Alegre and S. Leonardo both make superb 30-year olds, but they can be hard to find. Ramos Pinto makes a 30-year old that I'd love to try some day, but I haven't had the chance.

In the 40-year old realm, I like the Kopke and Noval the best. The Kopke borders on being too acidic for me, but it's such a wonderfully complex Port that I can overlook it for the right occasion. The Noval seems slightly less acidic to me, but also very slightly less complex. In either case you're probably talking about $100+ per bottle, often over $140 for the Kopke, so whether or not it is worth it to you is a personal decision. I picked up a large supply during Roy's buyer opPORTunities, so I'm well-stocked at very reasonable prices.

Generally speaking, the 20-year old Tawnies are the peak of the price/performance ratio. The 30- and 40-year old Ports are certainly better, but for most people their price goes up out of proportion to the increase in quality. When you can often find the Sandeman 20-year old for $40, it's hard to pay $140 for the Kopke 40-year old.

Glenn E. wrote:I would say that the Taylor 20-year old tawny is in the top echelon. There are a handful that I like better, but the Taylor is right up there.

My favorite is the Ramos Pinto. Many people like the Sandeman a lot, but I find it just a bit too acidic. The Ferreira Duque de Braganca is another favorite of many here on the forums, and it's probably my second favorite. Noval's 20-year old has been growing on me lately, too.

That about sums it up. Not a tawny, but consider Smith Woodhouse Colheita as well. I like all the tawny Glenn has mentioned.

Agree the Taylors is one of the top examples. I'm one who's a fan of the Ferriera Duc de Braganca as well.