Port wine is one of the most beloved and celebrated types of fortified wine in the world. Its rich history, unique production process, and diverse range of styles have made it a favorite among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Port offers a depth of flavor that few other wines can match.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 Port wines available today. These selections come from some of the most respected Port houses and represent a wide variety of styles, including Vintage, Tawny, Ruby, and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). Each wine on this list has been chosen for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and reputation, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates fine wine.
What is Port Wine?
Before we dive into the specific wines, it’s important to understand what makes Port so unique. Port wine is a fortified wine, which means that grape spirits (aguardente) are added to the wine during fermentation. This process stops the fermentation before all the sugar in the grapes is converted into alcohol, leaving behind a wine that is sweet, rich, and higher in alcohol (typically around 20%).
Port is made in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal, an area known for its steep terraced vineyards and unique terroir. The combination of climate, geography, and grape varieties results in a wine with exceptional complexity and depth.
There are several different types of Port wine, each with its own distinct characteristics:
Vintage Port: Made from the best grapes of a single harvest, it is aged for a short period in barrel and then bottled, where it continues to mature.
Tawny Port: Aged for extended periods in oak barrels, Tawny Ports develop nutty, caramelized flavors and a golden-brown color.
Ruby Port: A younger, fresher style of Port, Ruby Port is typically aged in large oak casks and bottled young, preserving its vibrant fruit character.
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: Aged for longer than Ruby but shorter than Vintage Port, LBV is a rich, full-bodied wine with many of the characteristics of Vintage Port but more accessible.
White Port: Made from white grapes, this style of Port can be either sweet or dry and is less common than the more familiar red Ports.
Now, let’s explore the top 10 Port wines you should consider trying.
1. Taylor’s Vintage Port
Taylor’s is one of the most respected names in Port production, and their Vintage Port is widely regarded as one of the finest expressions of this style. The wine is made from a selection of the best grapes from a single vintage and is aged for two years in oak barrels before being bottled. Taylor’s Vintage Port is known for its deep, concentrated fruit flavors, with notes of dark berries, plum, and cassis. It has a robust, full-bodied structure and an incredibly long finish, making it one of the most age-worthy Ports available. When cellared properly, Taylor’s Vintage Port can continue to evolve for decades, developing even more complexity and nuance over time.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Rich black fruit, chocolate, spice, and floral undertones.
Flavor: Intense blackberry, cassis, black cherry, and dark plum, with a hint of spice, vanilla, and a touch of leather.
Finish: Long and smooth, with a lingering fruit and spice aftertaste.
2. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port
Graham’s is another iconic Port house, and their 20 Year Old Tawny is one of the finest examples of this style. Aged in oak barrels for two decades, this Tawny Port has developed a complex flavor profile with rich, nutty notes of caramel, toffee, and dried fruits. The wine’s extended aging also gives it a beautiful amber color and a smooth, velvety texture. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny is perfect for those who enjoy a more mature and refined style of Port, with layers of complexity that evolve with each sip.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Dried fruit, nuts, toffee, and hints of vanilla and cinnamon.
Flavor: Rich caramel, toasted nuts, figs, raisins, and dried apricots, with a touch of spice and oak.
Finish: Smooth, silky, and long, with a subtle nutty aftertaste.
3. Fonseca Bin No. 27
Fonseca’s Bin No. 27 is a premium Ruby Port that offers exceptional quality at a reasonable price. Made from a blend of hand-picked grapes from the Douro Valley, this Port is known for its vibrant, fruit-forward character. It has a deep ruby color and is packed with flavors of dark berries, cherries, and plums. The wine’s youthful freshness is balanced by a smooth texture and a touch of spice, making it a great option for those who enjoy a bold, fruit-driven Port.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Intense red and dark fruit, with hints of vanilla and oak.
Flavor: Bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum, and a touch of peppery spice.
Finish: Smooth, medium-length finish with lingering fruit.
4. Dow’s 2011 Vintage Port
Dow’s is known for producing exceptional Vintage Ports, and their 2011 Vintage is no exception. Made from a selection of the best grapes from the 2011 harvest, this Port is rich, full-bodied, and deeply complex. Dow’s 2011 Vintage Port has intense fruit flavors, including blackberries, black currants, and plums, along with layers of spice, chocolate, and oak. The wine’s structure is firm, with fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. It’s a perfect example of a classic, age-worthy Vintage Port that will continue to improve with time.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Black fruits, spice, chocolate, and a hint of leather.
Flavor: Blackberry, black currant, plum, and cassis, with a touch of chocolate, tobacco, and spice.
Finish: Long and structured, with fine tannins and lingering fruit.
5. Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port
Quinta do Noval is one of the most prestigious Port houses, and their Nacional Vintage Port is considered one of the best in the world. Made from a small, exclusive vineyard of ungrafted vines that are over 100 years old, the Nacional Vintage Port is an extraordinary wine. It is rich and complex, with intense fruit flavors of dark berries, figs, and dried fruits, along with notes of chocolate, spice, and tobacco. The wine’s balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity makes it a true masterpiece of Port production.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Intense black fruit, dark chocolate, spice, and earthy undertones.
Flavor: Dark blackberry, plum, fig, chocolate, and tobacco, with a touch of leather and spice.
Finish: Long, with fine tannins and a smooth, lingering fruit finish.
6. Warre’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Warre’s is one of the oldest and most respected Port houses, and their 10 Year Old Tawny Port is an excellent representation of the Tawny style. Aged for ten years in oak barrels, this Port has developed a rich, nutty character with flavors of caramel, dried fruit, and oak. The wine is smooth and balanced, with a touch of spice and a long, silky finish. Warre’s 10 Year Old Tawny is perfect for those who enjoy a well-aged Tawny with a complex flavor profile but prefer a wine that is a bit younger and more accessible than the 20 or 30-year-old styles.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Dried fruit, caramel, nuts, and a touch of vanilla and spice.
Flavor: Rich caramel, figs, raisins, almonds, and a hint of oak and spice.
Finish: Silky smooth, with a lingering nutty and fruity aftertaste.
7. Sandeman 30 Year Old Tawny Port
Sandeman’s 30 Year Old Tawny Port is a luxurious, well-aged Port that has undergone decades of aging in oak barrels, giving it a deep, amber color and a complex, nutty flavor profile. The wine is rich and smooth, with flavors of caramel, toffee, dried fruit, and nuts. There are also subtle notes of orange peel, spice, and oak, which add layers of complexity to the wine. Sandeman’s 30 Year Old Tawny is perfect for special occasions and is a great way to experience the full depth and richness of a mature Tawny Port.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Dried fruit, caramel, toffee, and a touch of orange peel and spice.
Flavor: Caramel, toffee, dried figs, raisins, almonds, and a hint of spice.
Finish: Rich and smooth, with a long, lingering nutty finish.
8. Cockburn’s 2011 Vintage Port
Cockburn’s is known for producing some of the best value-for-money Vintage Ports, and their 2011 Vintage is no exception. Made from a selection of high-quality grapes from the 2011 harvest, this Port is full-bodied, with rich flavors of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. The wine has excellent structure, with firm tannins and a long, lingering finish. It is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a high-quality Vintage Port without the price tag of some of the more exclusive producers.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Dark fruit, spice, chocolate, and a hint of oak.
Flavor: Blackberry, black currant, plum, and cassis, with notes of chocolate, tobacco, and spice.
Finish: Long, with a firm structure and lingering dark fruit.
9. Niepoort Redoma Branco 2018
Niepoort’s Redoma Branco is a rare and exceptional white Port that showcases the diversity of the Port wine style. Made from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, this white Port is fresh, lively, and complex. The wine has flavors of citrus fruits, white peach, and tropical fruit, with hints of almond and spice. It is perfect as an aperitif or as a pairing with seafood or light salads.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Citrus, white peach, tropical fruit, and a hint of almond.
Flavor: Fresh citrus, white peach, pineapple, and a touch of spice and almond.
Finish: Crisp and refreshing, with a clean, dry finish.
10. Graham’s Six Grapes Ruby Port
Graham’s Six Grapes is a well-known Ruby Port that is both accessible and flavorful. This Port is made from a blend of grapes from several different vineyards in the Douro Valley, with a focus on the “six grapes” that are used to create a balanced and fruit-forward wine. The wine is vibrant and youthful, with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and plums, along with a touch of spice. It is an excellent choice for those who are new to Port or those who want a high-quality Ruby Port that is easy to enjoy.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Red and black fruit, with hints of spice and oak.
Flavor: Blackberry, black cherry, plum, and a touch of pepper and spice.
Finish: Smooth, with a medium-length finish and lingering fruit flavors.
Conclusion
Port wine is a versatile and exciting category of wine, with styles that range from sweet and fruity to rich and complex. The top 10 Port wines listed here represent the best examples of each style, from classic Vintage Ports to mature Tawny Ports and even refreshing white Ports. Each of these wines has been chosen for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and ability to showcase the unique characteristics of the Douro Valley terroir.
Whether you are a seasoned Port lover or new to the world of fortified wines, these selections are sure to delight your palate and elevate any occasion. So, the next time you’re looking to indulge in something special, consider opening one of these top 10 Port wines for a truly memorable experience.
Related topics:
