Wine Advisor
Graham, Vintage Port 1970
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at John E. Fells portfolio tasting. A Porto bottling this, but with a definite Bordeaux-like nose! Well defined, foursquare at first, opening up nicely with maraschino cherries, cloves, burnt wood/embers and bergamot, gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is very harmonious and elegant (not dissimilar in texture to a ’63 opened a couple of months earlier.) Fleshy, harmonious, seductive on the palate with allspice, nutmeg and ginger sprinkled over the viscous finish and finally, freshly rolled tobacco on the aftertaste. Good length, powerful like many of the 1970 ports continue to be. Superb. Drink now-2020+ Tasted September 2009.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Graham is another great port house, producing one of the deepest-colored and sweetest styles of vintage port. Along with Taylor and Fonseca, Graham has probably been the most consistent producer of great port in the post- World War II era. Their tawnys are quite good rather than exceptional, but their vintage ports are truly sublime and sumptuous. The 1970 is a monumental vintage port and one of the greats of the vintage. It begs to be drunk now, although it will last for at least another two decades.
About the Producer
Tradition, experience and knowledge spanning two centuries have given Graham’s the values that are at the heart of the company’s philosophy. The Graham family motto Ne Oublie (forget not or never forget) perfectly encapsulates the company’s commitment to the Douro Region, born of a deep respect for the past. Founded in 1820, Graham’s produced some of the greatest Ports of the 20th century, amongst which the 1927, 1935, 1945, 1970 and 2000 Vintages. In 1970 the company changed ownership from the founding family to the Symingtons, who have themselves been Port producers since 1882, however through their Anglo-Portuguese great-grandmother, they can trace their Port heritage back to 1652. Graham’s owns some of the finest vineyards in the Douro Valley, one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The four properties are: Quinta dos Malvedos, Quinta do Tua, Quinta da Vila Velha and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas. Combined, these four mountain estates total 201 hectares of vineyards, located in different areas of the Upper Douro and the Douro Superior, each making distinctive wines that contribute to Graham’s singular character and style.
