This tasting took place on March 5, 2022 in Sammamish, Washington.
S. Leonardo 40 Year Old Tawny Port – Bottled in 2015. Amber-orange in color with some light yellow on the rim. Vanilla cream caramel on the nose. Rich caramel and orange spice on the palate. Smooth flavor profile with expansive, mouth-coating mid-palate. This makes me wonder if there might be some white grapes in the blend. Some noticeable acidity on the medium-dry finish. 93 points
DR 40 Year Old Tawny Port – Bottled in 2015. Amber-brown in color. Toasted coconut and some light wood notes on the nose. Very smooth approach with some nice acidity and notes of well-integrated caramel, honey, and orange spice. 94 points.
Andresen 40 Year Old Tawny Port – Bottled in 2021. Amber-orange in color, with light orange on the rim. Nice warm, herbal notes on the nose. Very smooth entry leading to a pop of bright acidity from the mid-palate all the way through to the end of the long finish. 92 points.
1987 Quinta da Vargellas Vintage Port – Decanted for six hours. Dark amber-purple in color. Wonderful dark fruit and amazing Christmas Spice on the nose. Excellent structure with a touch of warmth on the very long, balanced finish. 94 points.
1995 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port – Dark fruit on the nose with prunes and stone fruits. Smooth tannins. Really amazing balance and structure but still showing signs of amazing power. 95 points.
2018 Dalva Vintage Port – Dark opaque purple. Dark, primary fruit on the nose. Wonderful, rich dark fruit – blackberry and black current – on the palate. This wine looks like a young VP, smells like a young VP, but drinks like an older VP because of the great integration it is already showing. 94 points.
