Here’s a couple of Ports worth considering for the season ahead. The Vintage is solid, while the Tawny is silky. Different styles, different uses, different prices. While Port is traditionally drunk from a small glass, I prefer a regular white wine size. Of course you’d only pour a couple of ounces. At a time!
Vintage Port is usually a big deal ““ expensive and requiring ageing. Some producers however, simplify things and release “˜affordable’ editions with enough age to be ready for drinking. Sure, they’re not superstars, but come close. JM da Fonseca’s wine is warm, a little fiery and very nourishing ““ and satisfying. Perfect for after dinner chat.
Colheita is a vintage dated Tawny Port. Pocas wine spent 14 years in cask and has reached the pinnacle of seduction and charm. Heady oriental bazaar spices and fireside warmth. Melts the senses. Bear skin stuff for sure.
P.S. We visited the beautiful JM da Fonseca winery on our October Lisbon trip and had a very special tasting. Of course it included Periquita ““ the great $9 rustic red. An LCBO classic for over thirty years, and the oldest wine brand in the world.
JM da FONSECA 2000 Vintage Port, Portugal 339200 Vintages $24.95
POCAS 1994 Colheita Port, Portugal 216424 Vintages $41.95
