Tawny Port is the fastest growing Port category in the U.S., because it’s an easy shortcut: Leave Port in wood barrels for a decade or so and it oxidizes in ways that ruby and vintage Port simply can’t. The result is a madeirized wine that adds woody and sour oxidized character to the traditional raisin notes in the wine.

Warre’s Otima 10 is a ten-year tawny, meaning it still has plenty of freshness in the wine itself to stand up to that lengthy oaking session. As tawnys go, it’s quite fruity, full of plums and raisins, but backed with plenty of that “old tasting” oxidation. Not much complexity to report, but perhaps this is a wine that doesn’t require it. For late-night sipping after a big meal, Otima 10 does the trick nicely and doesn’t make you answer a whole lot of questions.

See also 2009’s review.

A- / $28 (500ml) / warre.com

Warre's Otima Tawny Port 10 Ten Years Old (2012)

$28

9

Rating

9.0/10

Related Stories:

Review: Warre’s Otima Tawny Port 10 Years Old (2017) Review: Warre’s Otima Tawny Port 10 Years Old and 20 Years Old (2009) Review: Ports of Warre’s – Warrior, Heritage Ruby, King’s Tawny, Otima 10, and White Port Review: Graham’s Tawny Port 10 Years Old (2012)