Port Authority

By / Wine + Drinks / December 24th, 2014 / Like

The holidays are a time for celebrating, a time for gifts and turkey and family … it’s a hectic time we put ourselves through every year – sure on-line shopping has taken some of the leg-work out if it – but sadly I seem to spend more, instead of less, every year because of it.

But now that it is finally coming to a close and you’ve got everything under control and maybe a few minutes to yourself, after the kids go to bed this evening, it’s time to sit back, relax and pour yourself one of these …

Taylor Fladgate 2009 Late Bottled Vintage ($18.55)

This Port comes from a declared vintage year in Portugal and it shows a lushness and beauty that you don’t find in any old LBV; cherry, plum and chocolate all make an appearance all with a lush , succulent and sexy mouthfeel, balancing with acidity and a sultry-spiciness.

Dow’s 2009 Late Bottled Vintage ($17.95)

Same year as the Taylor but with a little bit of a different result:  cherry, plum, spice good acidity and chocolate on the mid-palate; comes across a little sweeter but just as enjoyable.

Warre’s Optima 10 Year Old Tawny ($22.90 / 500ml)

Tawny is lighter in colour but still rich in flavour, here we have woodsy-cherry and dried cranberry notes mixing in with a hint of hazelnut, bitter caramel and orange peel all balanced with acid twang.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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