TN: Quarles Harris 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal

First let's define our terms. Tawny ports are not vintage ports but blends bottled after years of aging in the shipper's cellars. Usually you will see these in 10 and 20 year old versions, but on rare occassions 30 years and older. These are not as dark, dense or concentrated as vintage ports but are just as delightful to drink. And because the Port shipper has essentially aged the wine for you, these are ready to drink upon release (vintage Port will take an average of 10-15 years after release to mature).

Dark amber color. Light-to-medium intensity nose of brown sugar and caramel is followed by more of the same with creme brulee on the palate. Sweet but not syrupy, with high acids that continue on the slightly astringent finish. This is not ideally balanced and could use more complexity, but one can't argue with its mouth-watering flavors. A good value at $15 for a 750ml bottle. Try this at the end of your meal or do what they do in Portugal and serve it with fruitcake, custard pudding or chocolate. Personally I am a big fan of the Port/Chocolate match-up, though this might be too decadent for some.
Yum.
Availablle at: Trader Joe's