Wine Advisor
Graham, Vintage Port 1994
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Mark Squires
The 1994 Vintage Port is going to be re-released. It has about 100 grams per liter of residual sugar. With a big eucalyptus note up front, this is elegant in the mid-palate with controlled tannins. Sweet and easy in some ways, this is readily approachable now, perhaps not at peak, but more expressive than the relatively brooding Dow's, also reviewed. The hint of caramel and raisins mixed with sugar makes this irresistible. It is sexy and intriguing.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at BFT tasting in London. The Grahams ’94 is still very tight and youthful on the nose, quite strict and conservative with smoky black fruit with hints of Chinese 5-spice, singed leather and bay leaf. Very well defined. The palate is full-bodied, creamy in texture on the entry, very spicy with a thwack of lemongrass and ginger on the black palate, superb length, a Grahams straining at the leash. This has impressive length: muscular and compelling. Excellent. Drink now-2035. Tasted April 2010.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
In a port tasting, tasting Graham's is almost like tasting a big, rich, succulent Merlot after a group of blockbuster, tannic Cabernets. Sweeter and more obvious than many ports, the opaque purple-colored 1994 is fruity, powerful, and rich, with an addictive hedonistic quality. It will be ready to drink in 8-10 years and keep for up to 30. As always, this is a showy, flamboyant port that has the advantage of being slightly sweeter than other 1994s. A great Graham's. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2035. Importer: Premium Ports and Madeiras, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 331-7656
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 1994 Graham’s Vintage Port, which incidentally carries quite noticeable sediment, as there is no fining or filtration, is beginning to show a little bricking on the rim. The bouquet is very harmonious and welcoming, featuring aromas of mulberry, roasted chestnut, pressed rose petals, autumn leaves and a hint of liquorice. The nose is not powerful; rather, it displays a brooding intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin and lightly spiced with clove, pain d’épices and again, a scintilla of liquorice. Though it obviously has another 20 or 30 years in the tank, this mellow Graham’s is drinking beautifully now. Tasted at the Symington Tawny Port tasting at the Tower of London.
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.
