Constantino Port, 1927

Colheita port (matured in wood), DOC Douro

Description and Reviews:
The 1927 Constantino Colheita Port is an extraordinary and historic fortified wine from one of the most acclaimed vintages of the 20th century. While many houses declared monumental Vintage Ports in 1927 for bottle ageing, Constantino chose to produce this rare Colheita—a single-harvest tawny style matured in wood for decades in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. This long cask maturation has created a wine of incredible complexity, depth, and refinement, offering an unparalleled opportunity to taste a pre-war Douro treasure that has been patiently shaped by time.

In the glass, it presents a glowing deep amber core with olive-green highlights at the rim, a classic sign of great age in tawny-style Ports. The bouquet is intensely aromatic and layered, with notes of dried fig, date, and apricot alongside caramelised orange peel, walnut, and almond. Hints of toffee, coffee, and warm baking spice emerge, intertwined with the gentle rancio character that only decades in seasoned oak can bring.

On the palate, the 1927 Constantino Colheita is unctuous yet balanced, with a seamless integration of sweetness, acidity, and aged complexity. Flavours of treacle, sultana, and candied citrus are lifted by a vibrant freshness that belies its age. Savoury undertones of leather, cocoa, and polished wood add further depth, while the finish is exceptionally long, echoing with nutty, spicy, and fruit-driven notes that linger for minutes after each sip.

This is a wine to savour slowly and with reverence, best served slightly chilled in a tulip glass to fully capture its aromatic intensity. It pairs beautifully with roasted nuts, crème brûlée, or blue cheeses, though it is perhaps most compelling when enjoyed on its own as a contemplative after-dinner experience. The 1927 Constantino Colheita Port is more than a drink—it is a rare piece of Douro history, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and patience that define the greatest wood-aged Ports.