NV Warres Otima 10 Tawny 20%
Portugal

A bright clear light amber colour, it showed marzipan, citrus peel, some vanilla, caramel and spices. Absolutely typical tawny style, but very fresh and stylish with terrific spirit integration. I think it has some older material embedded and has been beautifully blended. Usually 10 year old Portuguese Tawny ports don’t rock me – this one overdelivered. There is a 20y/o Optima that I will trial at some stage!

Drink now, 93 points

2007 Croft Vintage Port 20%
Portugal

Medium deep ruby – 2000s? Cherry and blueberry, spices, and approachable. Too dry and tannic to be from Oz. Medium weight, cherries and other red fruits, elegant but not the world’s most complex. Maybe an LBVP or a single quinta? Then came the reveal- Crofts is not in the “first 11” of Portuguese producers, but a very reliable maker, and a surprisingly accessible wine.

Drink to 2036, 91 points

2000 Delaforce Vintage Port 21%
Portugal

Decent ruby colour, mocha, blueberry, violets, cinnamon. Good sustain on the palate with dark fruits driving along. Delaforce is another “2^nd eleven” producer, but this was a nice little effort that will continue merrily, but perhaps won’t change much

Drink to 2036, 93 points