Christmas cake dark colour, with tinges of olive green at the rim. Thick and viscous in the glass. The aromas combine the impression of great age with tremendous vitality. Deep and brooding, reminiscent of curious characters such as cold tea, leather, tobacco and malt, coupled with pretty honeysuckle and barley sugar notes. Then the flavours, simultaneously almost impossibly sweet, tart and intense. It has rich malt, polished leather, bursts of raisined fruit, vibrant spice and earthy warmth. The initial sweetness gives way to mouth watering acidity and tactile graininess followed by a constantly developing finish that lasts for minutes. Almost overwhelming at first, even the tiniest sip is immensely satisfying and yet decadently moreish.

Quinta do Noval is the go to Port house for those who prefer VP in a more elegant guise. 1995 was a terrific year at Noval and now almost 20 years old, it is a beautifully balanced and supple wine with a lush, plump texture and smooth, round tannins. Intense flavours of plums, raisins and dark chocolate abound with a hint of secondary development now peaking through.

The oldest British-owned Port house, Warre's was founded by two young entrepreneurs Clarke and Thornton in 1670 and is considered one of the pioneering houses of the Port trade. Today Warre's is owned by the famous Symington family. Warre's Port is the first and oldest Port brand in the world, having been shipped continuously since 1750. Very dark inky and concentrated colour. Lovely fresh aromas of violets. Layer and layer of ripe blackberry fruit, intensely rich and full bodied. Sweetness and tannins bind this wine together to form a perfect harmonious structure.

Widely regarded as one of Australia's benchmark fortified wines, the Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny rightfully lays claim to such a title. High quality blending stock has been lovingly matured in small oak casks, and creates a wine of immense complexity and depth.

Romate Pedro Ximenez show a complex amalgam of figs, raisins, plum pudding fill the glass. This is a serious drink, having been aged through the Solera system for a minimum of 30 years. This is a must have for any connoisseur.

Icons of Rutherglen, Morris have been producing some of the worlds finest fortified wines for over 150 years now. Their Rare Liqueur Muscat is rich and viscous with memorising palate density. The perfect partner to rich desserts and powerful cheese platters.