Over the holidays I’ve had the Grahams, Taylor, Sandeman and Fonseca. They are all fairly similar wines, but, man, are they good. Any thoughts, or other recs?
I am young in my Tawny Port experience, but I would also have to recommend the Warre’s Otima, Cabral, and Royal Oporto 20 year old Tawnys as well. You’ve hit upon two of the others I like already, the Graham and the Taylor Fladgate.
In blind tastings I have done on this category, I have liked the Sandeman 20 year best 3 out 3 times. One of the tastings was done in black glasses so we could not see color.
The Ramos Pinto 20yr old ‘Quinta do Bom Retiro’ is my go-to for a ‘different’ style. It’s got a pinkish/salmon hue to it and is not nearly as carmelized as the other ones you mention, and due to that shows a bit more red fruit. It’s great stuff and worth a try.
Eric is absolutely right, Ferreira’s Duque de Braganca is the best 20-year. If you like the flavor profile but want a little more acidity, try Blandy’s 5-year old Malmsey.
Many people divide 20 yo tawnys into two groups, the Portuguese style and the British style. The Portuguese shows a bit more red and fruit but it is, in reality, a continuum. Some lean more to one end than the other.
The Rare Wine Company New York Malmsey made by Barbieto is very nice and an excellent value. I slightly prefer the Boston Bual. The Broadbent 10 year old Malmsey is another good value, very nice, sweeter Madeira.