what is the best red port wine to drink?

Answer 1

The "best" may be something totally out of reach.

I can tell you what I have:

Dow's Tawny 10 year port
Noval Late Bottled 1999
Anne Amie Syrah Port
Beringer 1997 Port

I'm currently working on the Dow's and it's yummy.

Answer 2

your question begs that I warn you-don't bother with white port if you like red. No comparison. That being said, you've got your tawny ports (lighter amber/blush color), which tend to be less biting and more mellow. These are the most popular variety. A really nice one is the Graham's 40 Year or for cheaper but still nice, try Dow's Boardroom. And then you've got your Character Port (some call it Ruby), we're talking a much darker color and a more spicy flavor. These are very often distilled in vintage versions-so instead of drinking a 40 year, your drinking a 1998(think vintage as in a bottle of wine). Best recommendation here is the Taylor Fladgate 1998. A nice combination of value and quality.