I was out with some colleagues recently and we were dining at a tapas restaurant.  At the end of a wonderful meal, I decided dessert was in order.  I was browsing the dessert menu and saw there was a Port sampler.  I jumped at the chance to partake in three different varietals and was very glad I did so.

I started with a Porto Kopke 10 year old Tawny.  It was very robust and complex with a slightly sweet finish…a great start.  Next, I partook in a Porto Barros 20 year old Tawny.  This was even more dynamic in that the oaky notes were very noticeable, but in great balance with the rest of the flavors.  A wonderful dried cherry flavor was at the finish and was a great compliment to the hazelnut truffle I was eating.  Lastly, I had a Porto Rocha 1977.  Wow!  This perfectly aged Ruby was delightful.  It brought a perfect balance to the dark chocolate truffle it was paired with, and was by far the best of the three.

It had been quite some time since I had finished a meal with a dessert wine, and I am glad I did.  I have a renewed enthusiasm for Port and will be finding any way to incorporate it into my meals at home.