First taste: Graham’s 1961 Single Harvest Tawny

In the last year or so, there’s been a flurry of esoteric Port releases, notably Taylor’s Scion (see here) and Dalva Golden White (see here).   Great to see these complex, wood-aged Ports grab some of the limelight from that bright young thing that usually gets all the attention a.k.a.  the latest declaration of vintage Port.  Not least since wood-aged Ports are ready to drink on release – no ageing, no decanting necessary!

Last month, the Symington family joined the frey, announcing the release of Graham’s 1961 Single Harvest Tawny Port (pictured).  This handsomely packaged Special Edition of 712 hand-numbered bottles has been sourced from three exceptional casks personally selected by Charles Symington who explained “[E]very year we taste and assess all our ageing wines in the Graham’s Lodge. I was so impressed by Graham’s 1961 Single Harvest evolution, with its vivid rich amber color, caramel and nuts aromas, complex palate with honeycomb and crystallized orange peel flavors, that I decided to release a Special Edition of this truly hidden treasure.”

I can vouch for his comments.  Its very much in the Graham’s house style – rich yet balanced, with terrific depth of flavour and mouthfeel.  Amber in hue with a saffron rim, it’s incredibly smooth, the spirit well integrated/balanced by lush layers of lightly toasted almonds, bourbon vanilla, singed caramel (tatin-style), fruitcake and florentines.  A very long, fruity finish shows plenty of nutty spine.   Outstanding.

Graham’s 1961 Single Harvest Tawny is available from Corney & Barrow, Harvey Nichols, Wine Society, Hailsham Cellars,Berry Bros & Rudd, Planet of the Grapes, Selfridges, Handfords, Harrods & Fortnum & Mason with a suggested retail price of £250.00.

Graham’s Port has its own regularly updated blog here – recent posts include a report of a vertical of 17 vintages of Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos.