The 80 Year Old Tawny Port category is the newest and rarest tier in the aged-tawny hierarchy, sitting above the traditional 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Year Old indications of age. Following recent updates to IVDP regulations, a handful of leading Port houses have been able to bottle tiny blends whose average age is around eight decades in wood, often drawn from casks laid down in the 1940s or earlier. These releases are conceived as 'time capsules' - tributes to historic vintages and to the families who have cared for these wines over generations.
As with other Indication of Age Tawny Ports, the stated '80 Years' refers to an average age, and the final wine is usually a blend of several very old casks, sometimes refreshed over time with small additions from younger, compatible lots. The aim is not only to reach an extraordinary average age, but also to achieve a balanced, house-style expression so that each bottling is recognisably from the same producer, even though the component wines are unique and irreplaceable.
Keeping Port in cask for eighty years is an immense commitment. Over the decades, a large proportion of the original volume is lost to evaporation (the 'angels' share'), while constant monitoring, topping-up and careful racking are required to preserve freshness and complexity. The result is an extremely concentrated, ethereal Tawny, with layers of dried fruits, nuts, coffee, treacle and citrus peel wrapped around a surprisingly vibrant line of acidity. At Vintage Wine & Port we have been fortunate to taste some of these new 80-year-old releases and can confirm that they represent some of the most profound, contemplative Ports ever bottled; however, each producer's interpretation is different, so we strongly recommend consulting the individual tasting notes.
Storage and Serving These ultra-old, barrel-aged Ports should be stored upright and are fully mature on release - they will not improve with further cellaring, but nor should they deteriorate if kept in a cool, dark place. 80 Year Old Tawnies do not normally require decanting. We recommend serving slightly chilled in a good-sized white wine or Port glass, to allow the complex aromatics to develop. The Port has already undergone a long, controlled oxidation in cask, so once opened, a well-stoppered bottle should remain in good condition for several weeks, and often longer.
We are delighted to offer The UKs largest range of 80 Year Old Tawny and White Ports
Taylor's 80 Year Old Victory Port
80 Year Old Tawny Port
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£595.00
(3 in stock)