Port recommendations please

[Miguel Alvarez]

My taste buds have really changed over the years. I've gone from a teenager and through my twenties not being a drinker. If I had to it would be a rum and coke just to be social. However in my mid 30's I've discovered Port. I've been drinking Cockburns which I'm sure is the basic of basic but am open to suggestions.

So if you don't mind may I have some nice suggestions please? Happy to pay a few quid more than the average punter but not so much that if the missus decides to make as fruit punch with it I won't cry.

[C0ffin D0dger]

Vintage port is generally considered the top end of the port hierarchy. Not every year is a vintage year, only if the quality of the grape harvest is up to scratch will the year be declared as a vintage one. Some years are better than others and attract a higher premium. The older it is can generally also factor into how much it's worth but just because it's old doesn't necessarily mean it came from a good year. The producer will also factor into the quality / cost etc.

Try some Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) port as a move up the ladder from your bog standard Cockburns. Then try some vintage ports if your wallet will stretch to it. Also note you need to decant a good port as there may well be some sediment in it.

[shirt]

grahams 10yr old tawny port is a great drink - nutty/creamy - at a reasonable price. £16 from a quick google [waitrose].

for vintage i like kopke as they usually come in at reasonable prices.

[JayBM]

This might draw some funny looks but in terms of value for money with regard to vintage port, I can recommend the Tesco Finest 1994. I can be usually be had for under £20 and as long as it's treated right it's a very nice drop indeed.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Cool. I'll have a look at my local next time I'm passing and see what they have. I've heard of Grahams so that should be easy enough to find.

[Miguel Alvarez]

What does treating it right require? I really have not been a drinker for most of my life. I've been drunk twice and one of those was on 2 shots of Tequila.

My current bottle of Cockburns is sat on the counter in the kitchen.

[Bullett]

Treat it like wine, once it's open you need to drink it.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Feel free to whooosh parrot me but is that drink it down and stop being a pansy or drink it down because it goes off/ruins the flavour. There is not a chance in hell I can drink a bottle of anything in one sitting.

[Bullett]

It's not like a spirit that can sit on the shelf. I think oxidises is the term, like a corked bottle of wine it ends up tasting musty.

To be fair though I've never really notice with cheap stuff and expensive doesn't hang around long enough.

[deeen]

I would say it's noticeably going downhill after 3 days, there are quite a few 1/2 bottles around, if that helps? I like it with Danish Blue cheese and water biscuits!

[JayBM]

As others have said to get the most enjoyment from a bottle of vintage port it needs to be consumed within 3 or so days of being opened. This isn't applicable to Tawny ports as they've been aged in wooden casks and therefore have been open to oxygen throughout there maturing.

The other step that will benefit drinking a vintage port is decanting it. This will allow you to remove any sediment and also allow it to breathe. The breathing is especially beneficial to younger vintage ports and if you leave the decanted port for a few hours before drinking you should see a real benefit in flavour.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Thanks guys. All duly noted.

[jkk]

Dow's Master Blend Port is also very good, about £14 a bottle, its spicy and caramely, if thats a word. Very good with a piece of extra mature cheddar too

[VTECMatt]

Tawny is generally an easier drinking port, can be served chilled, I find it refreshing and could happily drink this like wine.

A good entry level interesting Port to try would be Churchills Crusted, £23 per bottle. With vintage port bare in mind you will need to decant. You need a funnel, gauze, rest 20 minutes, then pour, will last a while but IMHO drink within within a few days as you will loose the fruit.

Enjoy I love it.

Matt

Edited by VTECMatt on Wednesday 8th April 19:42