Tawnies also have a practical advantage over the more prestigious vintage ports.

Late-bottled vintage ports are from a particular year and spend four to six years in wood.

But the vintage ports of the 1970's and 1980's are still priced almost reasonably.

Particularly fine vintage ports can continue to gain complexity and drink wonderfully for many decades after they were bottled.

The house invented the style of late-bottled vintage port.

For those unwilling to delay gratification or pay the price, there are late-bottled vintage ports.

Once decanted, it's hard to distinguish from full-blown vintage port and yet is only half the price.

Some producers use only treaded grapes for their finest vintage ports.

The vintage ports are sold by the bottle only.

The best gift is one you know the recipient would never buy for herself or himself, like a fine vintage port.