The 20 Year Old Tawny Porto from Taylor Fladgate,  at 20% alcohol and costing  about $35, scored 17+ points on the Dionysian 20-point scale. The amber brownish wine was soft, subtle and sweet. It was the perfect ending to a meal on a frozen early March evening. It has a very long aftertaste which adds to the pleasure of the next bite of cheese.

The 10, 20, 30 or 40 years noted on Tawny Ports is an average age of the wines included in the blend. I think the 20’s and 30’s are best.

IMG_4828

Served with Danish Blue Cheese and wheat crackers made this a dessert in itself. Icy evenings demand Tawny, LBV’s, or Vintage Ports.

Taylor Fladgate has ben making wines like this since 1692 and they do it very well. Tawny Ports can also be enjoyed in warmer months , and for some strange reason, they taste even better along the seaside.  In vino veritas.