Here is the part you’ve been waiting for. Your taste buds are primarily located on your tongue. The front of your tongue detects sweetness, the side’s saltiness and acidity, and the back of the tongue senses bitterness. Tannins in Port produce what is best described as an astringency or “furry feeling” on the teeth and gums. Tannins are more of a feeling or sensation, not a taste and it may take a novice some time to develop a sense for them.  As with anything, learning to taste and evaluate any wine or Port takes time. As you drink more you begin to notice different and subtler dynamics in a Port. Remember, practice makes perfect.