Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage =====================$60.02
Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage =================$76.95 (tested again here in this set)
Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage =====================$150 This set done to compare some higher priced premium ports from vintage years
I have notes on each, but that would make for an extensive post. If anyone wants further specifics, i can provide. Otherwise, a short summary should hopefully suffice.
Warre's Fine White $16.41 -simple, aperitif, cooking, drink cold
Taylor Fladgate 10 yr old Tawny $41.95 -very standard, lots of alcohol
Dow's 1992 Colheita Tawny $29.44 -a very good value for its price, drinking well
Graham's 20 yr old Tawny $69.99 -very standard, lots of heat, subtle flavors, not worth the cost
Dutschke Old Codger Tawny $21.99 -a new, personal favorite, much more sweet than the previous 4, very heavy butterscotch and caramel, smooth texture, controlled alcohol. It may have more sweetness but it also has a much richer character, something i like in a flavorful tawny. This is Australian.
Quinto do Infantado Medium Dry Estate Ruby $19.49 -inky garnet, strong fruit, sweet cherry, young but for a great price
Quinto do Infantado 1996 Late Bottled Vintage $37.95 -the overall best of the night, dark blackcurrant bouquent, very clean mouth feel, well balanced, drinking well
Quinto do Infantado 2000 Vintage $76.95 -the biggest disappointment of the night, still young, may be in a sleepy stage, definitely needs a ton of bottle ageing, still a crapshoot into the future
Fonseca 1986 Guimaraens Vintage $69.09 -heavy alchohol, anise and tar flavours, disappointing all around
Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage $60.02 -another disappointment, compared to ANY in the evening this was thin and watery but had lovely brown sugar notes and molasses, not drinking well for its price
Quinta do Noval 2003 Vintage $150 -floral bouquet, black cherry, inky, peppery, clean finish, this is going to be a wicked port in 15-30 years!!
If anyone wants to start with a good flavored, sweet, inexpensive soft port, i would recommend the Dutschke Old Codger. If you prefer the vintage style (red), i would have to recommend you put out a bit more cash and get the 1996 Late Bottled Vintage or if you prefer to spend less, the Medium Dry Estate Ruby is a good shot. Just watch out for its slightly overdone heat.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."