Definition: late bottled vintage port (lbv)

This common style of LBV sometimes produces a port of excellent richness and power for its price if, in a particular vintage, due to lack of demand or a slightly lower quality, the producer decides to leave it to mature in casks.

Often, however, these LBVs lack the fruit intensity expected of great vintage ports and, regardless of their price, are not of great value. They are usually sealed with a T-shaped cork that does not require a corkscrew to open the bottle. Modern LBV is an affordable vintage substitute. It does not improve in the bottle. Its main appeal lies in the fact that it can be consumed immediately, without decanting.

Another, rarer style of traditional LBV is produced in years that are not declared "vintage". It is bottled without filtration or other treatment. It can be consumed more quickly than a vintage, within 4 to 6 years after bottling. These traditional LBVs are produced in limited quantities. They mature in the bottle in the same way as vintage ports. They must be decanted.