Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Dow 10 Year-old Tawny Port NV

I'm of two minds when it comes to 10 year old tawny ports. On the one hand, they're usually about 50% the price of 20 year old tawnys but, to my palate, deliver about 85% of the sensual experience of a 20 year old. Dollar for dollar they are the better value and therefore should be tipple of choice. Yet, all things considered, I prefer the 20 year old to the 10 year old. That last 15% seems to matter a lot. Must be some sort of declining (rising?) marginal something of something. Having said that, this is a really delicious port. It is simultaneously bright and limpid in appearance, with strong legs. The nose is complex, ranging from cashews to dried apricots, with a touch of almond extract and vanilla. The palate is classic tawny port. English toffee, caramel, orange blossom honey, almonds, and espresso. I still like Dow's 20 year old tawny better, but this is a very fine port. Grade: A-