1974 Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Vintage Port, Douro

This wine reflects the importance of complementary crafts and areas of expertise which are essential for shaping wines that are aged for decades. It celebrates true craftsmanship and elegance.

On the 25th of April 1974, a military-led coup overthrew the dictatorship which had governed Portugal for half a century. In its immediate aftermath it unleashed social and political tensions, in the prevailing turbulent climate the family elected not to bottle Vintage Port. Nonetheless, many of the year’s wines were so exquisite that they were selected for maturing in cask. For Peter Symington, this was just his fifth vintage in the Douro, but as he gradually took on the position of head winemaker, taster and blender, it became his responsibility to nurture the development of this wine during its prolonged ageing in cask, before passing that responsibility to his son Charles.

Coppery centre with a pale bronze edge. 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.

A beautiful golden colour, with an intense ripe aroma of dried fruits and orange peel combined with cherry fruit and toasted aromas from more than 40 years of wood ageing, create tremendous complexity in this many layered wine. The flavour fills the whole palate with huge volume and power developing into an exceptionally long, fresh and honey-sweet finish.