Last fall I had the opportunity to meet Rupert Symington at a Vintage Port tasting that featured Graham’s, Dow’s and Quinta do Vesuvio vintages from 1970 to 2006. All of these Port houses, along with others, are part of the Symington Family Estatesgroup, and meeting Rupert was a wonderful opportunity to personalize these well-known wines. (If you’re interested in the Symington family’s history in the Port trade, there’s a terrific article linked on their website!)

Ever since my first trip to Portugal, Port has become a much more regular part of my life — no longer do I save it for the holidays or even a cold evening. I never run out of excuses to drink Tawny Ports, and I would certainly love to be able to drink well-aged Vintage Ports more often than I do! If you agree, consider picking up one (or more!) of these. (Prices are going to vary considerably, so I’m just guessing here…)

Quinta do Vesuvio 2006 Vintage Port ($60). Very young at this point, obviously, but at a drinkable stage, it seemed. Intensely aromatic, with loads of dark fruit — currant, berry, plum — and accents of dusty dark chocolate and mineral on the velvet-textured and extremely long finish. Tempting now, but should gain in complexity over the next 15-20 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Quinta do Vesuvio 2001 Vintage Port($60). Very nice, especially for a less-than-classic vintage. With dark cherry and blackberry fruit, blueberry conserve, and sweet earth notes on a medium bodied frame. Mouthwatering, pretty finish. Approachable now and over the next 10-15 years. (Fun fact: Rupert’s favorite cheese match here is Shropshire Blue!) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Dow’s 2003 Vintage Port ($83). A good value for a huge wine. With intense aromatics and flavors that include blackberry, dark plum, fig and licorice on a muscular, full-bodied frame. A ”wow” wine. Needs more time (or some long decanting time). Drink from 2013 and over the next several decades. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Graham’s 1994 Vintage Port ($100). Rupert called this vintage a “humdinger,” which you have to like. And you’ll like the Port, too, for its complex array of aromas and flavors — rich chocolate, red berry, dried cherry, raisin, dried mint, spices… Showy, sweet, rich through the finish. Very good now and should continue to age nicely for another 10-20 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port ($97). Cigar box aromas introduce aged cherry and raisin flavors that have started to mellow. Lots of spice and a touch of caramel on the long, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Graham’s 1970 Vintage Port ($250). Definitely in the “raisin phase” now — power has given way to silky and gorgeous, with dark fruit and touches of spicy dark chocolate that linger on the long, complex, compelling finish. Drinking very well now. Locate this wine online or in your area.