Sweet sensations for Christmas

Top quality doesn’t have to come with an expensive price tag which is why leading Port houses Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca have devised a list of Credit Crunch busters to satisfy the most demanding palates without breaking the budget this Christmas. Choose a delectable Reserve Port oozing with juicy ripe fruit aromas and a seductive blackberry and plum palate to match your favourite cheese or darkest chocolate.

Croft Indulgence (£9.99 Tesco) and Taylor’s First Estate (£8.99 Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Budgens) are two great buys under £10 which offer palate pleasers in the Port category.

Dig a little deeper and consumers will be wooed by the new 2003 Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage which is just about to appear in-store nationwide at just £11.99 a bottle. It was Taylor’s who created this style for British palates so it’s not surprising that drinkers will be seduced by its powerful plum aromas and massive fruit which makes this brand a market leader.

If you are looking for Vintage, then you can’t go wrong with Croft’s Quinta da Roeda 1997 which has just arrived at Threshers and Majestic. Not only is this an outstanding buy at around £17.99, but this gorgeous Single Quinta Vintage is available pre Christmas in a smart wooden box. Soft, ripe fruit with attractive vanilla and spice aromas this hand-crafted wine has an enduring pedigree to match.

Lusting after Tawny, then head to Asda for the new arrival of Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny in 50cl bottles. At just £12.98, this is a sublime drink with mince pies and Christmas cake, packed with spicy, citrus aromas and a gorgeous nutty, fruitcake palate. Majestic too lists a Taylor’s 20 Year Old Tawny in 50cl bottles at just £22 which is more complex and richer than its younger sibling and packed with delicious, fig and raisin aromas. What’s more, they can both be chilled and will keep for up to 6 weeks once opened so not a drop will be wasted.

However, Christmas is also a time for indulgence and sweet offerings from Taylor’s in the Vintage category is always an excellent buy, whatever the occasion. Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas has just released the magnificent 2001 Vintage which is about to arrive in store this Christmas from £22 a bottle (Tesco, Waitrose, Oddbins, Majestic). Velvety with rich, ripe plummy fruit character and hints of violets, this exquisite Port is one of the highlights of the Taylor stable and a must buy for those who want to push the boat out.