Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port

I often wondered over the past three or four years if I would ever be able to enjoy a nice basic Port wine.  I've tried them occasionally over time, but always found them too sweet for my palate.  As late as three years ago, I was sent a sample of Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port($20) and after opening and taking one taste, I handed the bottle over to Shirley to use in her recipes that called for Port or Sherry.  This was also a time when any sweet wine, including white wines, were not to my liking.  Of course, over time, that has changed, so after receiving another sample of the same wine, I held on to it for a few weeks, waiting for the right time to desire something sweet, yet something red.  That moment finally came last Tuesday, as I sat down to watch the 2012 Presidential election coverage. 
First glass was going to be more like a test to see if I would be wanting to pour a second glass or just place the bottle in with Shirley's cooking supplies. Surprisingly that test ended after the first sip.  I am keeping this bottle.
The color was a very dark purple.  Aromas were like dark chocolate covered cherries with plum and bramble berry.  In the mouth, flavors were much the same with some toast and spice and very smooth.  The finish was short to medium with flavors of plum and blackberry. After one glass, I diced up some extra sharp cheddar cheese to have with a second glass.  Pairing was superb. I'm not allowed to eat many desserts now, but I think I may sneak in a slice of rich deep chocolate cake with my next glass.
Watch for some future reviews of Port wines on this blog.  I will need a few more tastings before I can say I am a fan, but the Graham's Six Grapes Reserve has me wanting more.

Grahams Six Grapes is made from six Port-grape varieties, hence the name: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela and Tintao Cão.
Six Grapes is bottled ready to drink after about five years of cask aging. It has a t-cap closure, which means that you don't need a corkscrew to open it and that it should stay fresh for up to two months if stored in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator. Serve it in a glass with at least a six ounce capacity so that you may appreciate the wine's aromas. Six Grapes pairs particularly well with dark chocolate, or as I found, sharp hard cheese, but is also fantastic on its own as a luscious dessert in a glass.