Taylor's : Very Old Single Harvest Port 1976

Tasting Characteristics and Advice for Taylor's Very Old Single Harvest Port 1976

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a bright copper hue, fading to soft amber tones at the rim.

Nose

The nose reveals a charming, floral bouquet dominated by aromas of spiced gingerbread, honeysuckle, and Seville orange. Notes of marzipan and soft caramel complete this deliciously indulgent aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this port shows depth and refinement. The palate unfolds flavors of sweet citrus, guava, and grilled pineapple. Touches of butterscotch and honey enrich the tasting experience. The finish stands out for its precision and elegance, carried by a fresh, crisp acidity that lingers beautifully.

Food and Wine Pairings

This port pairs perfectly with desserts featuring crème brûlée or wild strawberries. It also complements preparations that highlight figs, almonds, and caramel. Enjoyed on its own, it pairs ideally with walnuts or dried fruits.

Serving and Cellaring

The Very Old Single Harvest Port 1976 does not require decanting. It is recommended to serve it slightly chilled, at a temperature between 12°C and 16°C. After opening, this port retains its optimal qualities for around two months. The bottle should be stored upright, away from direct light and at a constant temperature.

An Exceptional Port Aged Fifty Years in Oak Casks

The estate

Taylor's has embodied the excellence of Port wines for several centuries. Owner of Grade A vineyards in the Douro Valley, including the prestigious Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita, and Quinta do Junco, the House perpetuates ancestral expertise while constantly innovating. Taylor's notably distinguished itself by launching its Single Harvest collection as early as 1964, with each vintage showcasing exceptional quality.

The vineyard

This Vintage Port comes exclusively from three Grade A quintas in the Douro region, in the Douro Valley: Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita, and Quinta do Junco. These outstanding vineyards benefit from ideal conditions to produce top-quality grapes intended for age-worthy ports.

The vintage

The year 1976 was marked by an exceptionally dry winter followed by a summer of drought. The much-awaited rains arrived at the end of August, allowing the grapes to complete their final ripening. Harvest began on September 23. Yields proved more than 30% lower than the previous year due to the drought. The grapes showed high sugar levels, resulting in a slow fermentation. Rainfall on September 29 caused a few pockets of rot in the Lower Douro.

Winemaking and aging

The Very Old Single Harvest Port 1976 benefited from fifty years of aging in seasoned oak casks. This is the tenth release in this prestigious collection launched in 1964. Each year, Taylor's releases only one fifty-year-old Single Harvest, solely for vintages deemed to be of exceptional quality and maturity. The 1976 vintage was selected for its remarkable qualities and historical resonance, particularly well-suited to celebrate fifty years of aging.