Quinta de Loureiro, 1871 Colheita Port
Vinha Velha do Douro - Colheita Port 1871, DOC Douro
Bottle size: 75cl
Price:
£1,229.00
Description
The 1871 Quinta de Loureiro *Vinha Velha do Douro* Colheita Port is an extraordinary and almost unimaginable rarity, representing over 150 years of Douro history. Produced from ancient vineyards (*vinha velha*) at a time when phylloxera was devastating much of Europe, this wine is a remarkable survivor from an era when Port was crafted entirely by hand—grapes foot-trodden in granite lagares, cask-aged in the estate’s cellars, and later bottled for long-term maturity. As a *Colheita*, it would have spent decades maturing in seasoned oak casks before bottling, slowly developing the profound complexity and elegance that only extended cask ageing can deliver.
In the glass, an 1871 Colheita would display a deep mahogany-brown core fading to amber and olive-green at the rim—a visual hallmark of great age in wood-aged Ports. The bouquet would be breathtakingly layered, offering aromas of dried fig, sultana, and date alongside caramelised orange peel, roasted walnut, and molasses. Secondary notes of dark chocolate, fine coffee, and antique wood would mingle with hints of warm spice, sea breeze salinity, and the distinctive *rancio* character that develops during a century or more in cask.
On the palate, a well-preserved bottle would be unctuous, silky, and endlessly complex. Intense flavours of treacle, raisin, and candied citrus would be lifted by a vibrant, mouth-cleansing acidity—remarkable for a wine of this age—that prevents the sweetness from feeling heavy. Layers of hazelnut, spice, and subtle savoury undertones would add further depth, while the finish would be monumental, resonating with sweet fruit, nuts, and spice for minutes after each sip.
This is a Port to be treated with the utmost reverence—decanting only gently to remove sediment, if necessary, and serving slightly cool in large Port glasses to allow its full aromatic range to shine. While it could pair with blue cheese, roasted nuts, or rich desserts, most connoisseurs would choose to enjoy it on its own as a meditation wine. The 1871 Quinta de Loureiro *Vinha Velha do Douro* Colheita is not simply a drink—it is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with living history, an irreplaceable testament to the artistry and endurance of the Douro’s winemaking tradition.
Condition
Level in neck
