Vintage Ports mature in bottle and should be decanted to remove the natural sediment deposited by the wine and to allow the aromas developed during ageing to express themselves.

When should you decant a Port?

Let the bottle stand upright 10 to 15 minutes if it's less than 40 years old, and up to 30 minutes if it's older. If your vintage port is less than 40 years old, decant 2-3 hours before you plan to enjoy your wine; if it is older, better to decant just 30 minutes to an hour before.

Do you need to let Port breath?

Assuming the bottle of Port has been stored correctly, i.e. on its side, the sediment will have settled and formed up one side of the bottle. Therefore you need to let the bottle of Port stand upright for 3 to 4 days to allow the sediment to work its way down to the bottom of the bottle.