1970 Grahams Vintage Port Port

1970 Grahams Vintage Port

94 JG

Featured Review

(Graham’s) I drank quite a bit of the 1970 Graham’s over the course of the 1990s, but had not crossed paths with a bottle in several years until this most recent example. The wine is superb in 1970, as it displays a bouquet of voluptuous complexity, offering up scents of black cherry, plum, cedar, fresh mint, chocolate, a bit of tobacco leaf, and lovely, estery floral topnotes. On the palate the wine is focused and opulent, with fine framing acidity adding a note of precision to the attack, and with excellent freshness and balance on the softly tannic, long and creamy finish. This is a classic example of Graham’s in its more extroverted and fruit-driven style, and it should continue to drink well for the next forty or more years. (Drink between 2003-2050). John Gilman

Cellar Tracker | 94 JG

This is an extremely full-bodied, powerful wine, but it still retains a classy balance. Deep ruby, with chocolate and berry aromas, full-bodied, with anise and dried cherry flavors, full, hard tannins and a long finish. Good now but a few more yearsof bottle age would improve it. Best from 1990 through 1993.

Wine Spectator | 94 WS

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.

Robert Parker | 93 RP-NM

Type of Wine	Port : Port wines have always been different than other European wines due to their history with brandy, and today they're highly appreciated by wine enthusiasts on all the continents. Red Port wines are typically made of Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Touriga Nacional grape varietals. As for whites, most of them are based on Gouveio, Moscatel Galego, and Malvasia Fina varieties.
Varietal	Other
Country	Portugal : Viticulture has existed on the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern day Spain and Portugal) for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2000 BC. The country of Portugal, with its 250 native grape varieties, has a long and colorful history of viticulture and is renowned for its production of the world-famous fortified wines of Port and Madeira. Beyond these rich and intriguing styles, the country has become diversified, and is now being recognized for its refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, sparkling wines from Obidos and the warm reds from Douro and Dao. In the past few decades, Portugal has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in terms of viticulture and is becoming increasingly popular for its many wine styles. Portugal may not compare to neighboring Spain’s production rate, but in terms of quality, it can do more than hold a candle. Portugal’s production of Port is, without a doubt, its fame to claim and has brought global recognition; however Its recent renaissance and its incredible array of wine styles has helped to only bring more attention to the country’s wine industry. Its annual production of 600 million liters of wine from its 195,000 hectares under vine is an incredible feat for one of the smaller wine producing countries. Many of the key grape varieties cultivated in Portugal are considered native. Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Baga and Tinta Roriz lead the way and are the most popular and important grapes grown. Portugal’s temperate, predominately maritime climate and portfolio of terroirs is greatly conducive to vinification. Its many mountains, river valleys and limestone-rich coastal hills allows for a rich and diverse range of soils. The Atlantic influences the growing season which sees high levels of rainfall allowing for high yields. This can also be a detriment and an increased risk of fungal diseases. Coastal region winegrowers has have worked diligently to cultivated ventilated sites as well as high trellising methods to keep the grapes from developing bunch rot. The international wine market is becoming more cognizant of the many great wines coming from Portugal, from the reds of Douro and Dao to the red, white and rose from Vinho Verde, sparkling renditions from native varietals to the unprecedented and world-famous Port wines. International varieties (most of French origins) such as Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Portuguese soil. Despite the arrival of these varieties making a splash, and intrigue, Portugal’s long tradition of winemaking in the region has allowed winemakers to maintain a certain uniqueness in their wines. The Old Word nation of Portugal commands global respect and recognition for its many accomplishments and contributions to the world of wine.
Region	Port : Oporto is the home to the most exceptional Portuguese wines out there. Located on the Atlantic coast, one of the largest cities of Portugal is also one of the most well-regarded wine regions in this European country. At its beginnings, Port wine was more acidic and dry than today. That was due to brandy, which winemakers added to wine to keep it stable before they shipped it to the UK. Later on, brandy was used to capture the sweet ripe grape flavors, which contributed to the maturing potential of Port wines. Vinho do Porto is one of the favorite dessert wines for many, given it's usually irresistibly sweet. However, other varieties are also known to win the hearts of wine enthusiasts all over the world with beautiful whites, and delicious semi-dry reds, whether they're aged in bottles or in barrels. There are more than a hundred different grape varieties in Port, but only five have made it to the top. Tinta Barroca, typical for the Douro region, and Tempranillo, known for its early ripening, are some of the most commonly blended ones. Tempranillo is also famous for its remarkable strawberry and plum hints on the palate. To get to know Port wines, one must not miss out on Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, or Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port.