Ripe and friendly, with cherry and plum paste notes forming the core, backed by a ball of red licorice flavors on the finish. Drink now.

The NV Bin No. 27 Ruby Reserve Port is a blend of typical Douro grapes held for four years in used French oak. It comes in with 97 grams per liter of residual sugar. This was a from a July 2018 bottling (although, unless you can read production stamps, that isn't so easy to determine). This reliable old friend has reasonable everything-intensity of flavor, concentration and structure. That last one might be the best part, though, as it shows some pop on the finish. Dry and tight, this familiar brand does nicely at a very nice price. If you choose to age it, it can probably hold decently barring cork failures, but aging is not the point here.

This familiar brand exhibits the lush Fonseca style. Tannins are encased in generous red fruits, giving a wine that is smooth with just a touch of structure. This perfumed wine is ready to drink.