A Port that dates back to 1896 deserves more than just a glance at the label. This rare Single Harvest serves as a link to a time when the Douro had already been producing wine for international trade for centuries. Its long aging in wood has given the wine a history of its own, one that extends far beyond the original harvest year.<\/p>\n
The 1896 vintage dates back to the final years of the nineteenth century. By that time, the Douro region already had a long history of wine trade and export. An old Single Harvest demonstrates how a single vintage, through extended barrel aging, can develop a character quite different from that of a bottle-aged Vintage Port. It is precisely this interplay of vintage, time, and patience that makes this rare bottling so special.<\/p>\n
That same year, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens. While athletes from different countries gathered to mark a new chapter in history, the story of this vintage began in the Douro. That contrast between a moment that went down in world history and a wine that was able to age patiently in wood for more than a century makes 1896 a particularly noteworthy year. The historical reference enhances the story, but the rarity of this Port lies primarily in its age and exceptional preservation.<\/p>\n
At the time of its launch, this Port had reached 125 years of barrel aging. Taylor Fladgate released only 1,700 bottles, presented in a Scottish crystal decanter and a cherrywood box. The accompanying certificate was personally signed by Managing Director Adrian Bridge. This gives the exceptional age a tangible presence in the presentation of this rare bottling.<\/p>\n
Roasted nuts, candied orange, dried figs, and refined spices complement its character. In very old, wood-aged Port, the interplay of complexity and fresh vibrancy is at least as important as its richness.<\/p>\n
Pour a small amount into a large glass and take your time to appreciate the aroma. The even older Single Harvest from 1863 offers a fascinating point of comparison.<\/p>\n