1969 Porto Taylor's « Very Old Single Harvest Port »
The 1969 Porto Taylor’s “Very Old Single Harvest Port” is an exceptional Porto, rich, complex, and elegant, embodying the quintessence of great Porto wines. With its aromas of dried fruits, caramel, and spices, along with its velvety texture and long finish, it offers an unforgettable tasting experience. Perfect for special occasions or to accompany desserts and reflective moments, this Porto is a true oenological masterpiece.
Wine estate: Domaine Taylor’s
Grape varieties: Touriga Nacional
Region: Porto, Duriense, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Appellation: Porto
Color: Amber
Format: Bottle 0.75 L
Alcohol content: 20%
Description
The 1969 Porto Taylor’s “Very Old Single Harvest Port” is an exceptional fortified wine produced by Taylor’s, one of the most respected and oldest producers in Porto. This Porto is a “Single Harvest,” meaning it comes from a single vintage and has benefited from long aging in oak barrels. Dating back to 1969, this wine is a perfect example of the complexity and richness that a Porto can develop after decades of maturation. It is part of the estate’s Very Old Port collection, highlighting the finesse and elegance of long-aged wines.
Blend
This wine is made from the Touriga Nacional grape, the most noble and renowned variety in the Douro region. Touriga Nacional gives the wine structure, depth, and concentrated aromas of dark fruits and spices. After fortification, the wine is aged in barrels for several decades, developing great aromatic complexity and the classic flavors of old Portos.
Tasting notes
Color: The wine displays a deep amber hue with golden and coppery highlights, indicative of its long aging in oak barrels.
Nose: The nose is intense and complex, revealing aromas of dried fruits such as fig, walnut, and almond, accompanied by notes of caramel, toffee, and honey. Spicy nuances of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper are also present, along with subtle hints of tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate.
Palate: On the palate, the 1969 Porto Taylor’s is rich and velvety, with sweetness perfectly balanced by a lively acidity that brings freshness. Flavors of dried fruits, fig, and apricot blend with more complex notes of caramel, roasted coffee, and sweet spices. The texture is silky, and the finish is long and persistent, marked by notes of dark chocolate, precious wood, and candied fruits. This wine offers a perfect harmony between sweetness, freshness, and concentration.
Aging potential
The 1969 Porto Taylor’s “Very Old Single Harvest Port” can be preserved indefinitely thanks to its long barrel aging and fortified nature. It is ready to be enjoyed now but can be kept for additional decades, offering even more complexity over time.
Food pairings
Blue cheeses: Stilton, Roquefort, or Gorgonzola.
Chocolate desserts: Chocolate fondant, dark chocolate cake, or cocoa mousse.
Dried fruits and nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or dried figs.
Spiced desserts: Nut tart, spiced cake, or desserts made with dried fruits and candied ingredients.
Cigars: Pairs well with a quality cigar for a relaxing moment after a meal.