The broad range of aromas reveals sultanas, quince preserve and a combination of subtle caramel, vanilla and ginger notes. The palate is silky and sensual, with a zest of soft, tingling tannins which continue to underpin the structure and the wine’s vitality. The long finish provides reminiscences of peppery spice, tea leaf and thyme.
Reviews:
- Wine Advocate: The 1974 Single Harvest Tawny Port (that’s called a “Colheita” traditionally, but some producers have decided to translate) is a field blend bottled in May 2022 with a bar-top cork and 132 grams of residual sugar. A terrific Colheita, this dribbles sweet fruit and sugar over the finish while seeming bright and elevated. It is so fresh and balanced, that it is just terrific. Then, it adds all the typical flavors, the caramels and chocolates. This is great.
- Wine Spectator: Toffee, toasted sesame seed, salted caramel, green tea and hazelnut notes emerge slowly and steadily as this airs in the glass, backed by racy, embedded acidity through the lengthy finish. Shows some latent power too.
Producer Information
Tradition, experience and knowledge spanning two centuries have given Graham’s the values that are at the heart of the company’s philosophy. The Graham family motto Ne Oublie (forget not or never forget) perfectly encapsulates the company’s commitment to the Douro Region, born of a deep respect for the past. Founded in 1820, Graham’s produced some of the greatest Ports of the 20th century, amongst which the 1927, 1935, 1945, 1970 and 2000 Vintages. In 1970 the company changed ownership from the founding family to the Symingtons, who have themselves been Port producers since 1882, however through their Anglo-Portuguese great-grandmother, they can trace their Port heritage back to 1652. Graham’s owns some of the finest vineyards in the Douro Valley, one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The four properties are: Quinta dos Malvedos, Quinta do Tua, Quinta da Vila Velha and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas. Combined, these four mountain estates total 201 hectares of vineyards, located in different areas of the Upper Douro and the Douro Superior, each making distinctive wines that contribute to Graham’s singular character and style.
