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Unctuous, rich and heady, Port is a hedonist’s delight. Bottles made from grapes grown in a single year, often from a “declared” vintage, are labeled Vintage Port and represent the top echelon of quality. They are some of the most long-lived, cellar-worthy expressions of fortified wines, with the staying power to last for decades.
When first released, Vintage Ports are driven by flavors of plush blackberry, plum and other dark fruits alongside plenty of baking spice and chocolate accents. Dense, heavy tannins are typically front and center, which contribute to the aging potential. With age, the rich fruit flavors morph into more nutty, savory and spicy nuances, while the tannins mellow to yield a velvety, seamless palate.
We combed through our extensive database of Ports reviewed over the past two decades to find the best bottles to drink now. Of course, availability is top of mind, and with the help of an online resource like wine-searcher.com, we assured the selections are still on store shelves.
Here are eight aged Vintage Ports that are sitting pretty in their drinking windows:
