Ok the ports tasted, in order (and they were in a specific order for a reason) were:

  • Warre's Fine White ==============================$16.41
  • Taylor Fladgate 10 yr old Tawny =================$41.95
  • Dow's 1992 Colheita Tawny =======================$29.44
  • Graham's 20 yr old Tawny ========================$69.99
    This set done in order of increasing age for tawnies.

  • Dutschke Old Codger Tawny =======================$21.99
    This tawny added as a non-Portugal offering for comparison.

  • Quinto do Infantado Medium Dry Estate Ruby =======$19.49
  • Quinto do Infantado 1996 Late Bottled Vintage ====$37.95
  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage =================$76.95
    This set done to compare increasing age of vintage style red ports, all from the same quinto.

  • Fonseca 1986 Guimaraens Vintage ==================$69.09
  • Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage =====================$60.02
  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage =================$76.95 (tested again here in this set)
  • Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage =====================$150
    This set done to compare some higher priced premium ports from vintage years


I have notes on each, but that would make for an extensive post. If anyone wants further specifics, i can provide.
Otherwise, a short summary should hopefully suffice.


  • Warre's Fine White $16.41
    -simple, aperitif, cooking, drink cold

  • Taylor Fladgate 10 yr old Tawny $41.95
    -very standard, lots of alcohol

  • Dow's 1992 Colheita Tawny $29.44
    -a very good value for its price, drinking well

  • Graham's 20 yr old Tawny $69.99
    -very standard, lots of heat, subtle flavors, not worth the cost

  • Dutschke Old Codger Tawny $21.99
    -a new, personal favorite, much more sweet than the previous 4, very heavy butterscotch and caramel, smooth texture, controlled alcohol. It may have more sweetness but it also has a much richer character, something i like in a flavorful tawny. This is Australian.

  • Quinto do Infantado Medium Dry Estate Ruby $19.49
    -inky garnet, strong fruit, sweet cherry, young but for a great price

  • Quinto do Infantado 1996 Late Bottled Vintage $37.95
    -the overall best of the night, dark blackcurrant bouquent, very clean mouth feel, well balanced, drinking well

  • Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage $76.95
    -the biggest disappointment of the night, still young, may be in a sleepy stage, definitely needs a ton of bottle ageing, still a crapshoot into the future

  • Fonseca 1986 Guimaraens Vintage $69.09
    -heavy alchohol, anise and tar flavours, disappointing all around

  • Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage $60.02
    -another disappointment, compared to ANY in the evening this was thin and watery but had lovely brown sugar notes and molasses, not drinking well for its price

  • Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage $150
    -floral bouquet, black cherry, inky, peppery, clean finish, this is going to be a wicked port in 15-30 years!!



If anyone wants to start with a good flavored, sweet, inexpensive soft port, i would recommend the Dutschke Old Codger.
If you prefer the vintage style (red), i would have to recommend you put out a bit more cash and get the 1996 Late Bottled Vintage or if you prefer to spend less, the Medium Dry Estate Ruby is a good shot. Just watch out for its slightly overdone heat.

"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."