Quinta do Vallado, 1866 Colheita Port
Adelaide Tributa Very Old port, DOC Douro
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
£3,895.00
Description
The 1866 Quinta do Vallado *Adelaide Tributa* Very Old Port is an astonishing and historic masterpiece, representing more than 155 years of Douro winemaking heritage. Produced in honour of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira—one of the most important and visionary figures in Port history—this bottling comes from ancient casks preserved in the estate’s cellars for generations. Crafted in the mid-19th century, when every stage of Port production was done by hand, this wine has survived phylloxera, world wars, and immense changes in the Douro, emerging today as a rare and priceless link to a golden age of Port making.
In the glass, the 1866 *Adelaide Tributa* reveals a deep, shimmering mahogany core with glints of amber and olive-green at the rim—classic signs of extreme age in wood-aged Port. The bouquet is breathtakingly complex, unfolding with layer upon layer of dried fig, date, and sultana, interwoven with molasses, roasted walnut, and dark chocolate. Subtle notes of orange peel, fine coffee, and polished antique wood mingle with exotic spice and a whisper of sea breeze salinity, all underpinned by the haunting *rancio* character that only develops after more than a century in cask.
On the palate, this Very Old Port is unctuous, concentrated, and endlessly layered. Intense flavours of treacle, raisin, and candied citrus are lifted by a remarkable freshness—thanks to the vibrant acidity that has kept the wine alive for over 150 years. Savoury undertones of leather, cedar, and spice weave seamlessly with the sweetness, creating a perfect harmony. The finish is monumental, resonating for minutes with echoes of nut, dried fruit, and warm spice, leaving an unforgettable impression of both power and elegance.
This is a Port to be savoured in its purest form, best served slightly cool in large Port glasses to allow its extraordinary aromatics to unfold. While it could pair with aged blue cheese, roasted nuts, or fine dark chocolate, it is perhaps most fitting enjoyed entirely on its own, in quiet contemplation. The 1866 Quinta do Vallado *Adelaide Tributa* is not simply a wine—it is a living time capsule, an irreplaceable treasure from the heart of the Douro, and one of the rarest tasting experiences a Port lover could ever hope to encounter.
Condition
Excellent