2003 Kopke - Colheita Tawny HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

Kopke stands as the oldest Port house still producing wine today, founded in 1638 by Nicolau Kopke and his son Cristiano, who came to Portugal representing the Hanseatic League. Nearly four centuries of continuity have made Kopke especially renowned for Colheita, its single harvest tawny style, produced in small, carefully preserved lots that reflect the character of an individual vintage.

This 2003 Colheita comes from a particularly ripe growing year on the Douro, hand harvested and fermented in temperature controlled vats with regular pumping over to extract color and tannin before fortification with grape brandy halts the process. The wine was then aged in oak for many years, well beyond Colheita's required seven year minimum, allowing it to soften into a mature, ready to drink tawny while still carrying the ripe, generous fruit character of its harvest year.

The finished wine shows an intense red color with a tawny halo, its complex bouquet built on dried fruit and warm spice. On the palate it turns creamy and rich, with custardy fruit and raisin sweetness balanced by lively acidity through a long, spiced finish. Serve chilled alongside tarte tatin, walnut desserts, or a plate of aged cheese.