1997 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 20.0%
pH 3.4
Total Acidity 4.3 g/L
Classification Single Harvest Tawny Port
Region Porto
Contains Added Sulfites Yes
Production Details The 1997 component is the “Apprentice” release. Some of the finest 1997 wines were selected for extended wood-ageing; more than 25 years later, Charles Symington selected the remaining casks for limited bottling. Finished-wine Baumé is 3.5. Serve chilled and enjoy within 6–8 weeks after opening.
Tasting Notes Deep orange-brown and copper; quince preserve, vanilla, soft caramel, honey, raisins, almond, marzipan and a smoky note; bright red fruit, citric freshness, walnuts, tea and tobacco on the finish.
Food Pairing Creamy or nutty desserts, including crème brûlée or almond tart; it may also be served alone after a meal.
1974 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 20.0%
Residual Sugar 124 g/L
pH 3.35
Total Acidity 5.1 g/L
Calories (estimated) 240 kcal / glass
150ml glass240 kcal
750ml bottle1200 kcal
Grape Varieties Old mixed field blend
Classification Single Harvest Tawny Port
Region Porto
Sites Almost entirely Quinta dos Malvedos
Contains Added Sulfites Yes
Production Details The 1974 component is the “Artisan” release. Wines from the harvest were selected for prolonged maturation in cask, and the finest casks were selected for bottling almost half a century after the wine was made. Finished-wine Baumé is 4.8. Serve chilled and consume within 6–8 weeks after opening.
Tasting Notes Copper with a pale-bronze edge; sultanas, quince preserve, caramel, vanilla and ginger; silky palate with soft tannins and a finish of peppery spice, tea leaf and thyme.
Food Pairing Creamy or nutty desserts, or served alone as dessert.
1961 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 20.0%
Residual Sugar 136 g/L
pH 3.52
Total Acidity 6.2 g/L
Calories (estimated) 245 kcal / glass
150ml glass245 kcal
750ml bottle1225 kcal
Grape Varieties Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and old mixed vines (field blends)
Classification Single Harvest Tawny Port
Region Porto
Harvest Dates Vintage began in mid-September
Sites Quinta dos Malvedos (Cima Corgo) and Quinta das Lages (Rio Torto), principally Quinta dos Malvedos
Oak Types Oak
Contains Added Sulfites Yes
Production Details The 1961 component is the “Master” release. After its first winter at the property, the wine was transferred to Graham's lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia for long-term ageing in very old, well-seasoned oak pipes. Finished-wine Baumé is 5.9°. Serve lightly chilled and consume within one month after opening.
Tasting Notes Deep orange-brown with amber and green gradations; marzipan, demerara sugar, honey, butterscotch, mint and eucalyptus; creamy palate with caramel, treacle, citrus, apricot preserves, polished tannins, tobacco and tea.
Food Pairing Dark chocolate and caramel- or vanilla-based desserts; it may also be enjoyed alone as dessert.
Critics Ratings 96/100 — James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
Producer Information
Website
Address
Rua Rei Ramiro, 514, 4400-281 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Phone
+351 223 776 490
Email
Owner
Symington Family Estates
Cellarmaster
Charles Symington