Standard Ruby Ports are blends from different years. As with Whiskeys without an indication of age, these tend to be disappointing because they are not representative of what good Port really tastes like.

Many producers are selling a Premium Ruby, which they have promoted in the past as "Vintage Character". Now this name has been prohibited under new rules to protect the term 'Vintage' for use only with superior Ports. The Premium Rubies are the logical step between the Standard Rubies and the Late Bottled Vintages (LBV). Like the Standard Rubies these wines are blends, but you are able to find some quite pleasant examples, e.g. Graham's 'Six Grapes' or Fonseca's 'BIN 27'.