1998 Kopke - Colheita Tawny

Kopke has operated out of Vila Nova de Gaia since 1638, making it the longest continuously running Port house still in business today. Founded by the German trader Nicolau Kopke and later run by his son Cristiano, the firm built its name on patient, wood-aged styles rather than the deep, fruit-forward vintage Ports that many other shippers favor. Colheita, a single-harvest tawny aged for years in cask before release, has long been one of the house's specialties, and its archives hold examples reaching back well over a century.

This 1998 release comes from red Douro varieties, fermented in traditional lagares at a controlled temperature until the desired sweetness is reached, at which point grape spirit is added to fortify the wine. As a colheita it then rested in seasoned oak barrels for well over the minimum seven years required by law, developing its color and character slowly before being bottled to order rather than on any fixed schedule.

The wine pours a bright brown with red hues, opening with dried fruit and a lift of fresh cherry, followed by warm baking spice on the palate. It is elegant and complex, finishing rich and persistent. Pair with a walnut cake, mature cheddar, or a simple fig tart.