The NV 20 Year Old Tawny was bottled in 2014. Unlike Symington/Warre's Otima, also reviewed this issue, this is a much more classic 20-year-old tawny. It is a fine one on opening, showing some power, superb concentration...
The NV 20 Year Old Tawny was bottled in 2014. Unlike Symington/Warre's Otima, also reviewed this issue, this is a much more classic 20-year-old tawny. It is a fine one on opening, showing some power, superb concentration of flavors and beautiful aromatics–that is, what you expect from a mature tawny. It still maintains its elegance in the mid-palate, though, perhaps to a fault if I had to quibble. It does thin a bit over several days. Its flavor profile is worth the price of admission here, though, as it is nicely laced with hints of molasses, caramel and hazelnut. It remains refreshing and lively, with good acidity. They shouldn't be drunk too warm–don't forget that. Around 58-60 degrees F is good. Overall, the concentration of flavor and aromatics makes this lovely. It comes with a bar top cork. Barring cork failures, it should last more or less indefinitely, but it is made to drink now. - Mark Squires