Terrific Tawny Port news: Kopke & Graham’s

Autumn in a glass.  That’s Tawny Port for you.  I’ve had two great examples last month, both of which are more accessible than ever before.  Kopke, one of my favourite producers of wood aged Ports (especially Colheitas) have a listing with Marks & Spencer for this small but beautiful Colheita.  As for Graham’s, it is launching its Premium Tawny range – Graham’s Tawny Ports 10, 20 and 30 Years Old – in innovative 20cl bottles.

According to Graham’s press release Premium Tawnies currently represent the fastest growing category of Port, constituting over half (53%) of all Premium Port sales by value. The producer attributes this to “changes in drinking trends and the fact that Tawny Port does not need to be decanted, should be served chilled and will remain fresh for several weeks once opened, they are proving to be especially popular with a younger audience.”

The new miniature range will be available from stockists including Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Vintage Wine & Port.  Recommended UK RRPs are as follows: 10 Year Old (no tube) – £7.49, 10 Year Old in tube – £8.49, 20 Year Old (no tube) – £11.99, 30 Year Old (no tube) – £19.49.

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1996

A bright russet hue with a creamy, praline nose cut with juicy, spicy plum fruit.  The liquorice-edged plum makes for a juicy, bright attack and balanced finish.  The creamy praline brings richness, complexity and reverberating, nutty intensity to a long finish.  The perfect way to celebrate a 20th anniversary.  Great on its own; I enjoyed it solo and with homemade plum and almond cake.  Yum.  £30 Marks & Spencer (35cl bottle)