KOPKE, 50 YEARS OLD TAWNY PORT, DOURO, PORTUGAL

Overview of the Wine
In 1638, Kopke’s path as a winegrower is entwined with the history of its location. The Douro was destined to become the chosen stage for this marriage between the will of man and nature took place. Quinta de São Luiz was acquired in 1922 and has since become the place where all Kopke’s DOC Douro wines are produced. The great connoisseurs of Douro wines have always recognised this property as one of the most important in the region, for the quality of its soil and vines and for its cultural traditions.

For many years, one of these traditions was to paint the Quinta’s stone walls white once a year. These white walls are pieces of history that are cherished to this day and underline the Douro landscape in a unique way.

In the centuries to come, Kopke will endeavour to honour its legacy, that was built with passion throughout generations.

Grapes
Traditional Douro grape varieties (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca)

Origin
Douro, Portugal

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
Mahogany colour with greenish hues, a sign that this is a very old wine. Intense on the nose, with remarkable complexity and breadth, with layered aromas of wood from its ageing in barrel and notes of dried figs, snuff, white prunes and walnuts. The palate reveals the fullness of a great old port wine, with never-ending flavours that reveal how long it has aged in wood, such as spice and dried fruit, wrapped in fresher notes that culminate in a unique and endless finish.

98 Points – Decanter
Lovely deep red-tinged mahogany colour. Beautifully lifted and aromatic on the nose, just a touch of singed crocante with dried fruit, roasted chestnuts and toasted almonds. Wonderfully lithe, creamy-textured fruit on the palate, with greengage freshness plus the sweetness of an Elvas plum (160g/l residual sugar). Mesmerisingly persistent sugar and spice (and all things nice) on the finish.

98 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The NV 50 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in May 2022 with 134 grams of residual sugar and a bar-top cork. This is an entrant in the new age-indicated category of 50; it no longer stops at 40. I thought the 50 Year white was fabulous. Its Tawny brother is as good or better. It doesn’t have the brightness of the white in terms of acidity (the fruit doesn’t taste old in terms of decay, so don’t misunderstand), but it is richer, lusher and more flavorful. There’s a touch of nuts, caramel and spice. It also has a long, long finish, which is what I would expect from an old Tawny in top form. Kopke did a great job with the blend here. This is completely delicious, smooth and balanced, juicy on the finish. Which is better? Depends on what you like, and it is worth getting some of each. For wines this old, the prices are reasonable. They are both great experiences.

Product size: 750ml