2009 Kopke - Colheita Tawny HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

Kopke is the oldest Port house still in operation, founded in 1638 when German diplomat Nicolau Kopke settled in Portugal and established Nicolau Kopke & Co. as a wine shipping firm, predating even the formal creation of the Douro's demarcated wine region. Over nearly four centuries the family run house has built an unmatched cellar of single harvest wines, some dating back over a hundred years, and it remains the acknowledged leader in Colheita production. While Port law requires a Colheita to age at least seven years in cask before release, Kopke holds its wines back even longer, and each is bottled to order so that every release reflects a slightly different stage of its slow evolution.

This 2009 Colheita is a single harvest wine made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, hand picked and gently macerated with constant churning during fermentation to draw out color and tannin, then fortified with grape brandy once the desired sweetness was reached. It has since matured quietly in seasoned oak casks, developing the mellow, nutty complexity that distinguishes an aged Colheita from a standard tawny blend.

The wine shows a brownish brick color and an exuberant, intense nose of jammy fruit, black plum, licorice, and spice. On the palate it is smooth and elegant, with firm, silky tannins that build into a dense, refreshing finish. Enjoy it chilled with roasted chestnuts, dried apricots, or a plain almond tart.