SAN FRANCISCO, April 1, 2019 – Symington Family Estates, producers of some of the finest Ports in the world for five generations and owners of the renowned Port brand W & J Graham’s, is pleased to announce the release of Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Ports (traditionally known as Colheitas) in the US.
Bringing a fresh approach to its limited bottlings of Single Harvest Tawnies, Graham’s celebrates the distinctive aspects of these wines, naming them in accordance with age and after those who have contributed in different ways to their evolution. The Apprentice and The Artisan are available in the US market in April 2019, and The Master is available Fall 2019. These wines are limited editions carefully selected by Master Blender Charles Symington.
Graham’s 1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port
The Apprentice: Representing Charles Symington’s first steps as a Port taster and blender when he learned the intricate art of tasting and blending from his father, the 1994 Single Harvest is one of the first Ports that Charles played a significant role in shaping during his taster’s apprenticeship. (SRP $145/750 ml)
Graham’s 1963 Single Harvest Tawny Port
The Artisan: This wine reflects the importance of craftsmanship and expertise which are essential for maturing wines that are half a century old. Graham’s cellar masters, coopers and tasters, all true artisans, have played key roles in the long ageing process of this important wine. (SRP $500/750 ml)
Graham’s 1940 Single Harvest Tawny Port
The Master: Paying tribute to three generations of master blenders who contributed to the nurturing and development of this unique wine, only the very finest casks merit selection for bottling in very small quantities–a celebration of family memories, handed down through the generations. (SRP $1200 750/ml)
Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Ports are limited release wines selected decades ago from Graham’s prime vineyards in the Douro, from the finest years. These special wines are set aside for long term ageing in seasoned oak casks. Single Harvest Tawny Ports are required by the Port Institute to age for a minimum of seven years; Graham’s releases their Single Harvest Tawnies following much longer periods, rarely less than 20 years and often much longer, dating back half a century or more.
Graham’s is credited with establishing the Single Harvest Port category and is currently positioned as a top producer of Aged Tawny Ports. Aged Tawny Port is the fastest growing category within the Port sector, with an increase of 40 percent growth (in volume) over the last five years. Graham’s has seen an increase of 200 percent in growth of its Aged Tawny segment over this same time. (source: Port and Douro Wines Institute)
About W & J Graham’s: Founded in Porto in 1820, Graham’s is renowned worldwide for producing an outstanding range of Aged Tawny Ports, Late Bottled Vintage, Reserve and Quinta Vintage Ports. Graham’s success in the 19th century resulted in the acquisition of the famous Quinta dos Malvedos in the Alto Douro and in the construction of the imposing Graham’s 1890 Lodge. Overlooking the city of Porto, the Graham’s Lodge houses over 3,500 seasoned oak casks of Port, numerous large oak vats, an extensive Vintage Port cellar and Vinum – one of Porto’s premier restaurants. Graham’s is owned by the Port-producing Symington family. For more information visit www.grahams-port.com.
About Symington Family Estates The Symingtons have been Port producers for five generations since 1882, but their involvement in Port dates back fourteen generations to 1652 through their great-grandmother Beatrice Leitão de Carvalhosa Atkinson. The family company is a leading quality Port producer and is the principal vineyard owner in the Douro Valley with 2,530 acres of vines at 26 quintas (vineyards). Many of the region’s finest quintas belong to the family. For more information on Symington Family Estates, visit www.symington.com.
