Alves de Sousa - Quinta da Gaivosa Porto Tawny 20 ans d'âge (50cl)

Honey, dusty apricots, walnuts, and caramel with notes of toasted orange and citrus. Sultanas, cinnamon, and a long, enveloping finish. Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

The Quinta da Gaivosa NV 20-Year-Old White Port is a blend from very old vines. It was bottled in 2020 with a bar-top cork and 85 grams of residual sugar. Well-structured, with a rather dry finish and a lovely lingering aftertaste, this is a serious—and at times slightly austere—20-year-old port. It is not rich, it lacks caramel notes, and it does not resemble a Tawny (as some white ports can). It does, however, display balance and finesse. It’s a perfect white Port for cheeses that aren’t too strong and for pairing with other foods, which is likely its best use. Its complexity is modest, and it’s far from fruity. It isn’t, however, so austere that it can’t be enjoyed on its own. But please, don’t mix it with tonic water. Save that for cheap Port wines. The best-by date is just a guideline—barring any cork taint, this wine should age well. The price is for a 500-milliliter bottle. 2015–2035

Orange-brown color. Lovely spicy aroma of toasted orange. Smooth and rich with flavors of toasted apricot and orange, with a slight saltiness on the finish. Excellent balance between complexity, generous fruit, and elegance. Opens with a wonderful spicy floral bouquet and a hint of vanilla. Delicious.