Taylor’s is widely recognised as the most important producer of Aged Tawny Port, and possesses one of the most extensive reserves of Port Wines aged in cask. Whilst 10, 20, 30 and 40 year Tawny ports are regularly produced, on very rare occasions, selected casks are bottled as part of the “Very Old” series - these wines set the standard that all others aspire to – but no-one does it quite like Taylor’s! This series is only released in extremely limited quantities and represents the cream of their aged reserves.

For most people, the word ‘Port’ refers to vintage port – wine from a single vintage aged entirely in bottle. Tawny port is aged in oak barrels, and is a blend of vintages, but these single harvest Tawny ports are usually referred to as Colheitas - a far cry from vintage port with very slow and gentle cask ageing creating ports of extreme aromatic complexity with delightfully mellow structures.

Matured in Taylor’s historic lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, the 1975 Single Harvest Port offers remarkable aromatic intensity after 50 years of ageing, with rich dried fruit, caramel, and spice. I was lucky enough to be sent a sample (in a sort of test tube! Photo below) and what a wine it is! A lovely rich chestnut colour, the palate is rich and layered, with notes of honey and a red berry jam, a hint of orange blossom and honeysuckle, cedary cigar-box and sweet berry fruit. Incredibly complex, it seems to gain extra layers in the mouth and becomes more intriguing with every sip.

This release embodies Taylor’s commitment to excellence, tradition and craftsmanship. In strictly limited volumes, it’s not every day that you get the chance to taste 50 year old wine, and due to the many years of oxidative ageing, this wine can also be kept in the fridge after opening for at last a month, if not two, if you can resist the temptation!

N.B. This wine is not currently in stock but can be ordered, usually for delivery within a few weeks -  please email info@cellarselect.co.uk for availability and lead time, or it will be confirmed after an order is placed.