The NV 40 Years Very Old Tawny Port is a field blend from vines averaging 35 years in age. It was bottled in November 2019 with a long cork and 105 grams of residual sugar. This was juicier and more expressive than the relatively stern 30 Year this issue on the first pours, but they came closer together. The 30 Year has good acidity too. This 40 Year does eventually show a bit more maturity and complexity to go with its lively demeanor, but it seems almost as fresh as the 30 Year and a bit less austere. Delicious at the same time, it touches all the bases. That includes the very long finish, of course. There is plenty of power as well. This is a big winner in its somewhat mouthwatering style. This does have a small edge over the 30, but they both are great and reasonable minds might differ.

This old Port is extremely intense and full of acidity as well as richly sweet textures. Concentrated and beautifully ripe, the wine bears its age well. It is the sort of wine that has to be drunk slowly and meditatively. Like all aged tawnies, it can be drunk now.