Tawny port - barrel-aged, wine picks up the nuances of the oak barrels imparting nutty flavors and aromas. Tawnies can be served before or after a meal.
Ruby port - bottle-aged and does not generally improve with aging. This is a young, fruity wine perfect for after dinner pairings with dark chocolate and berries.
White port - very similar to a ruby port except white grapes are used. Great as an apertif.
Fine by itself as an after-dinner drink, port also cooperates with food. These wines pair well with mild, hard cheese like Manchego or a tangy, salty blue cheese (a perfect pairing to the sweetness of a ruby or white port).
White Port
Niepoort Dry White Port
$18
Lighter body, rich golden color. Sweeter than other white port (Rozes) while aroma isn't as strong. Sampled recently at Domaine Hudson. 3.5/5
Rozes white reserve port
$20
Soft aromas with walnut note. Sweeter nose than Niepoort. Caramel gold color. Rich, full flavor - decadent. Walnut flavors with long finish. Moderate sweetness. My favorite of the two white ports. 4/5
Tawny, Ruby & Late-Bottled Port
Graham's 10 year Tawny Port
$30
Beautiful orange-brown color. A little hot. Nutty & vanilla flavors on a light body. Pairs wonderfully with Manchego cheese and hazelnut dark chocolate. Ideal for an after-dinner drink, especially after a large meal because it is not as heavy or sweet as a ruby or white port. 4/5
Fonseca Porto Late Bottled Vintage 2001 Unfiltered
$22-30
This ruby port is very refined. A nice change from our everyday, $12 bottle ruby port which is much sweeter. Rich and smooth. 3.5/5
Fonseca Porto Bin 27
$18-23
Powerful nose of brambly, rich & concentrated fruits. Raspberry burst finish on the palate. A little hot but a very nice wine. Complex. 4/5
Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2003
$20
Striking nose. Much sweeter than Fonseca Bin 27. Softer, more delicate nose. Smooth finish, not too hot. My favorite of the three ruby ports. 4.5/5
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