Rebello Valente Vintage Port, 1931

Vintage Port Bottled by Robertson, DOC Douro

Description and Reviews:
The 1931 Rebello Valente Vintage Port, bottled by Robertson, is an exceptionally rare and historic expression from one of the most remarkable and unusual years in Port history. The 1931 vintage is often described as “the vintage that never was” due to the global economic depression, which meant that very few shippers declared it despite it being considered outstanding in quality. As a result, surviving bottles are scarce, and those from respected houses like Rebello Valente—here bottled by the renowned firm Robertson—are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.

In the glass, this near-century-old Port shows a deep mahogany-brown core fading to amber and green-gold at the rim, classic markers of a fully mature Vintage Port. The nose is profoundly complex, with layers of dried fig, date, and sultana alongside notes of molasses, caramel, and roasted walnut. Aromas of cocoa, coffee bean, and cigar box mingle with delicate hints of orange peel, sweet spice, and a subtle floral lift, all bound together by the gentle rancio character that comes only with great age.

On the palate, the 1931 Rebello Valente is silky, concentrated, and beautifully balanced. The sweetness of rich dried fruits is perfectly offset by a vibrant, well-preserved acidity, ensuring remarkable freshness for a wine of its age. Flavours of black treacle, prune, and toffee unfold into savoury tones of leather, tobacco leaf, and toasted almond. The tannins, once powerful, have melted into a velvety softness, allowing the wine’s complexity and elegance to shine. The finish is extraordinarily long, leaving lingering impressions of spice, nut, and sweet dried fruit.

This is a Port to be treated with the utmost care and respect—best served slightly below room temperature in generous Port glasses, allowing it to open gently in the glass rather than through prolonged decanting to preserve its delicate aromatics. Perfect with blue cheese, roasted nuts, or enjoyed entirely on its own in quiet contemplation, the 1931 Rebello Valente Vintage Port is more than just a wine—it is a rare and precious time capsule from one of the Douro’s most legendary yet elusive vintages.