NV Warre's - Ruby Port Warrior Vintage Character

Warre's was established in 1670 and is recognized as the oldest British-owned Port company in Portugal, with roots stretching back through a string of English merchant partnerships before the Warre family itself joined in 1729. William Warre, a descendant of that founding partner, later served as an officer under the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War, and it is his name that graces the Warrior label, first shipped in the 1750s and often cited as the world's longest continuously used Port trademark. The Symington family, who took full ownership in 1912, still runs Warre's today.

Warrior draws its fruit from two of Warre's key properties, Quinta da Cavadinha in the Pinhão Valley and Quinta do Retiro in the Rio Torto Valley, the same vineyards that supply grapes for the house's celebrated Vintage Ports. The blend centers on Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Barroca, with lots selected for particular richness and fruit concentration. The wine is matured in oak casks at Warre's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, then filtered and bottled once it reaches the desired balance, unlike Vintage Port, which continues to develop for decades after bottling.

The result is a rich, perfumed wine showing ripe plum, cherry, cedar, and berry, layered and complex on the palate with real structure. The finish is moderately sweet, giving something close to the grip of a young Vintage Port at a far friendlier price. It pairs well with aged cheddar, roasted walnuts, or a berry tart.