Marks and Spencer's Finest Reserve Port

Marks and Spencer's Finest Reserve Port

The missus bought this as part of a job lot from Marks and Spencer's website at an amazingly low price. Let's see how it stacks up. Well it looks red enough although there is a hint of tawny in the colour which suggests a little more oxygen exposure than would be expected. The hint of tawny carries through to the nose which is quite full and striking combining the plum characteristics of a ruby with just a hint of wood. The taste is quite acceptable at this level carrying a full body of plummy fruits and just a little wood complexity to keep things interesting. On the whole this is a rich and smooth port with a lot to commend it. Much better than I had anticipated so hats off to Marks and Spencer's and also to Sue Daniels and David Guimaraens, who, according to the label, had a hand in its crafting.

Dow's 2011 LBV

Dow's 2011 LBV

Intensely deep ruby colour with a fruity and floral nose. This port was full bodied and grapey with good astringent tannins balancing the sweetness.

Ferreira Dona Antonia Reserva Branco

Ferreira Donna Antonia Reserva Branco

Deep golden colour with a rich slightly floral nose. This port was quite rich for a white port with a sweet spiciness as its predominant character. There were noticeable elements from the oak in which it must have been aged. As a result the fruit flavours were very much in the background despite their being plenty of sugar to allow their expression.

Quevedo 40 Year Old Tawny

Quevedo 40 Year Old Tawny

Deep brown colour with a reddish tinge. The nose was very full being akin to the smell of a rich fruit cake. Tasting revealed a full bodied and rich port. A spicey tingle accompanied rich plummy fruit and dry oaky elements. This was surprisingly fruity for such an old tawny making it somewhat different to what might have been expected. Nevertheless it was exceptionally enjoyable.

Marks & Spencer LBV 2011

Marks & Spencers LBV 2011

My wife couldn't resist this magnum in her visit to Hedge End for the January sales last year. Now is the time to enjoy it in the company of my port loving family. The label indicates that Taylor's David Guimaraens was involved in the selection. Deep ruby colour with gloriously fruity nose. The flavour was full bodied rich and fruity with significant tanins moderating the sugars.