Graham's LBV 2003
Time to revisit an old friend, especially as 2003 was a classic vintage year. The colour was a dark ruby. I found the nose to be quite striking with a strong smell reminiscent of the inside of a port lodge. There was a good dollop of fruit in the taste combined with an oaky contribution. I wasn't sure about this at first but it really grew on me.
Taylor's LBV 2002
Rich dark ruby colour with a fruity nose. The taste was of soft fruitiness with contributions from tannins and oak. Consistent but perhaps a bit more body than the 2001. Good but predictable.
Sainsbury's Tawny 10 Year Old
Reading the label I saw this had come from Graham's so I bought it as I have always found Graham's tawnies to be among the best. I was not disappointed and was pleasantly surprised at the quality to be found for the price of this own label offering. The colour was a pale brownish red whilst the taste was sweet and nutty combining raisin flavours with oak. Overall a smooth tipple but not as much depth as some 10 year olds.
Dow's Midnight Port
This port is widely available in the UK around Christmas time. I found it to be a pleasant enough if not spetacular basic ruby port. I certainly enjoyed it more than the same brand's Trademark offering.
Niepoort Junior Tinto
Lightly plummy coloured deep ruby. This was sweet and rich with hints of fruitiness. A pleasant enough port but not particularly outstanding.
Fonseca BIN 27
Good deep red colour with a fruity nose. This was very fruity but with a hint of wood preventing it from becoming too mawkish. It was youthful yet full and enjoyable having a definite hint of vanilla contributing to its smoothness.
