Graham’s releases last 1966 Port bottles

Graham’s has released the last 104 bottles of the Symington Family’s private stock of Graham’s 1966 Vintage Port, with just 40 allocated to the UK.

The 1966 vintage in the Douro is considered to be one of the finest of the second half of the 20th century, with the wine now having reached an “extraordinary level of balance and maturity”, according to Graham’s.

Bottled in 1968, it was the last vintage Port to be produced by W & J Graham’s before it was bought by Symington Family Estates in 1970.

“Very rarely is it possible to enjoy a wine of such age and quality”, said Charlotte Symington. “We are proud to be able to offer this unique opportunity to taste one of the finest Vintage Ports ever made”.

1966 was a year of low yields but of exceptional quality with a wet winter and spring replenished water reserves in the soil. This proved crucial to sustaining the vines during a hot August, with temperatures twice rising above 45ºC. The year will also be remembered by many as when England won the World Cup.

This will be the last opportunity to acquire this vintage Port, which is described as having aromas of “mature red fruits and touches of eucalyptus and mint”, and being “smooth and complex on the palate with very fine tannins” with a long finish.

The wine, which was professionally re-corked at the Graham’s Lodge in April 2015, will be offered exclusively to the UK on-trade. For more information call John E Fells on 01442 870 900.