Viera de Souza, 1966

Vintage Port

Description and Reviews:
Viera de Sousa 1966 Vintage Port is a rare and fascinating wine from one of the more under-the-radar but deeply respected family-run Port producers. The Viera de Sousa family has been involved in winemaking in the Douro Valley for generations, though their name has gained broader recognition only more recently. A 1966 vintage from them represents not just a well-aged Port, but a beautiful piece of family heritage and old-school craftsmanship.

The 1966 vintage itself was a declared year and widely considered excellent — not quite as powerful as 1963, but producing wines of superb elegance, structure, and ageing potential. If well stored, the Viera de Sousa 1966 would now show a mature tawny-brick hue, with a delicate, complex nose of dried fruits (figs, dates, raisins), soft spices, cedar, old leather, and orange peel. The palate would be silky and smooth, with fading but persistent tannins, integrated sweetness, and notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and warm spice.

Because Viera de Sousa was not as commercially prominent in the mid-20th century as the big Port houses, bottles from 1966 are extremely rare and may have only been bottled later from family-owned stock. It’s likely from a small release or private collection. Decant gently, expect sediment, and plan to drink it soon after opening — wines of this age can fade quickly once exposed to air.