Graham's, 1970

Vintage Port bottled for Army and Navy Stores
Excellent provenance

Description and Reviews:
The 1970 Graham's Vintage Port is a classic and one of the most iconic wines produced by the house of Graham’s. The 1970 vintage is renowned as one of the best of the 20th century for Port wines, and Graham's expression of this year is particularly exceptional for its richness and longevity.


Tasting Notes: Deep ruby color with a slight garnet edge, showing signs of maturity but still remarkably vibrant. Nose: A highly aromatic nose of ripe black fruits, such as blackcurrants and black cherries, intermingled with secondary notes of figs, prunes, and dates. There are also layers of leather, tobacco, and sweet spices like cinnamon and clove, alongside a slight floral touch of violets.
Palate: Full-bodied and opulent, with a luscious texture. The palate offers flavors of rich dark fruits, including plum and blackberry jam, complemented by chocolate, coffee, and hints of spice. The tannins are finely integrated, and there is a beautiful balance between sweetness and acidity, giving the wine a fresh and elegant character even after decades. Finish: Long, persistent, and luxurious, with a combination of dark fruit, spice, and a lingering sense of refinement that speaks to the wine's maturity and balance.

Aging Potential: The 1970 Graham's Vintage Port has matured wonderfully, but it continues to offer a great drinking experience. Many bottles have reached their peak, but well-stored examples can still evolve for several more decades. It is currently in an excellent drinking window, providing a rich and complex tasting experience.

Food Pairing:
Best enjoyed with rich cheeses like Stilton or aged cheddar.
It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit-based desserts.
As with many vintage ports, it can be enjoyed as a dessert wine on its own after a fine meal.

Decanting:
Given its age, this port should be carefully decanted to remove sediment, which is common in older vintage ports. Allowing it to breathe for an hour or two will help the wine open up and show its full range of aromas and flavors.

*** 93 Points (Parker) ***

"...a definite Bordeaux-like nose! Well defined, foursquare at first, opening up nicely with maraschino cherries, cloves, burnt wood/embers and bergamot, gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is very harmonious and elegant. Fleshy, harmonious, seductive on the palate with allspice, nutmeg and ginger sprinkled over the viscous finish and finally, freshly rolled tobacco on the aftertaste. Good length, powerful like many of the 1970 ports continue to be. Superb. Drink now-2020+ Neil Martin Wine Journal Tasted September 2009.

"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." Parker Buying Guide 1989.

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