A New Bottle of Port

[Michael Kennedy]

First - I am a newbee to ports. I recently received a bottle of Grahams 20yr old Tawney Port. The back label indicates it was bottled in 2012. Doing some research thru this site, I came across some tasting notes on this port (by name), but some date back 5-6 years. So, what do I actually have? The point scoring places this port @ 90 and I wonder just what is it I actually have in my possession. The bottle label does not indicate a year vintage, so I assume this is a non-vintage (NV). Can some one tell me just what I have? Also, how long should I keep this bottle before opening. Some notations seem to indicate drink now. I would think it could be kept for some years, but I read that fortified ports can deteriorate over time-but how much time? Many thanks for your insights.
Mike

[Roy Hersh]

Hi Michael,

You have what is called, a 20 year old Tawny Port by Graham's. It is a non-vintage blend of barrel aged Port that typically averages around 20 years of age; and/or conjures up the color and flavor profle of a Vintage Port of the same age ... figure around 1992 or so, to put it in perspective. Graham's is slightly on the sweeter side of the spectrum. This new 2012 bottling is better than previous one's as the Symingtons who own that Port shipper, have recently made some changes to improve the blend.

Most people in the Port trade recommend drinking this type of Tawny Port soon after bottling, but empirical evidence by the majority of people on this Forum (and I will let them all speak for themselves if they so choose) agree that these will drink well for several years ... let's just say 5 years as a ballpark ... however we've read about how they change when they are left in good storage. Usually not any better than they are today, so again, there's no immediate rush to consume the bottle you have; but also no reason to wait. That being said, it will be able to be consumed for much longer than that, but may not hold on to its freshness which is an important component of a 20 year old I'd suggest you look for a fun occasion to share your bottle with friends or a loved one. Once open, recork and refrigerate to maximize the longevity of this Port, which should last several weeks (unless like most of us ... it disappears faster than that!).

Welcome to FTLOP and we hope you will have other great questions!

[Eric Ifune]

Read Roy's feature article "Tenants of Tawny" on the homepage.

[Tom Archer]

or conjures up the color and flavor profle of a Vintage Port of the same age

Hmm..

If a 20yr old vintage port looked and tasted like a 20yr old tawny, I wouldn't be very impressed!