Crusted

Crusted Port is a peculiarly British invention, and is rarely seen. It is produced by British Port shippers to provide wines with a similar style to Vintage Port, but quicker, and at a cheaper price. Essentially this is a very fine non-vintage Ruby Port. 

Crusted Port has more power and complexity than Ruby Port though with sweet, rich, spicy red and black fruit harmoniously integrated.  It is made from a blend of different vintages and is aged for up to 4 years in cask and at least 3 years in bottle before release.

It gets its name from the sediment (or crust) that forms at the bottom of the bottle as the wine ages - just like a Vintage Port.  The date on a Crusted Port bottle refers to the bottling date; it is forbidden by law to show any reference to a particular vintage. It is ready to drink on release but often continues to improve with age.