A happy ending: Dow's Tawny Port

A special way to end a meal is with a wonderul port, a heady, complex wine that might be the ultimate nightcap.

One well worth pouring is Dow's 20-year-old Tawny Port, a Portuguese product that is bottled at what many port drinkers consider is just the right age. Actually, Dow's is a variety of wines, which gives it a sophisticated, complex taste, as well as a beautiful green-gold color. Expect to pay about $40 for a 750 ml bottle.

It's nicely balanced, with intriguiging notes of spice, caramel and dried nuts, in the lush spirit of creme bulee. In order to enjoy it to its fullest, sip your nip from a good sized glass, 6 ounces or larger, so you can drink in the sumptuous aromas along with the port.

Even though the port has been around for two decades, it won't keep forever after you open the bottle. To make certain you drink it at its peak, finish the bottle within a month of opening. Keep it in a cool, dark place or even the fridge.

You won't have to worry about any of this superior elixir going to waste if you invite a few friends to join you for a round.