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Sandeman, Founder’s Reserve, Porto and Warre’s Warrior Special Reserve, Porto, approx. $20 and $21 (but I got them both reduced)

I am not sure why I’ve taken a detour from my usual red wine pursuits and sampled some ports.  In all these things, I usually blame the Food Network channel for such culinary distractions.  So, after a quick run to the Mediterranean Imports Store at the West Side Market, to grab some high cocoa chocolate and heavy creme and blue cheeses, I thought I would give these a try.  I was quite impressed.  I poured the port straight into a sherry glass (hopefully this is the appropriate) and started with the bottle at about 58 degrees but didn’t put any effort into maintaining that temperature.  Alternating between the cheeses, chocolate, walnuts and pecans i found both ports extremely enjoyable.  I think my favorite cheese was the heavy creme blue cheese.  Instead of being dry and crumbly, it mostly stuck together with the consistency of cold butter.  I liked both ports equally with the Sandeman being a bit smoother with a more subdued flavor and the Warre’s having a bit more pizazz.  I recommended this change of pace.