When one thinks of Graham’s Port, the image it conjures up is that of extraordinary class and consistency.  In viewing the string of vintages spanning the 20th century, there is little doubt that this Shipper has produced some of the finest Vintage Ports ever bottled.  In fact, from 1963 onwards, I can’t think of a single Port producer with a greater track record year in and year out.

Website URL: http://grahams-port.com

Address: Rua Rei Ramiro 514, 4400 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Phone: +351-223-776-330

Owners: The Symington Family

2003 Graham Vintage Port - I have had this at least a half dozen times since release and probably quite a few more than that. It is in the upper echelon of a very fine vintage year. The Graham’s is very dark, actually fully opaque still. The nose is chock full of sweet cassis, cocoa powder, grapes and a spicy black pepper element which adds extra appeal. I can’t wait to see the evolution of the aromatic profile in this beauty. The juice is dense and mouth filling with plenty of boysenberry and blackberry fruit and a rich texture that will only improve from here. A touch of heat on an otherwise exquisite finish shows the brash nature of this youngster. What’s not to love? Prime drinking will be between a wide window of 2025-2040, although extended decanting will allow for plenty of drinking pleasure right now. 95+ points 3/22/07
 

Most recently declared Single Quinta Vintage Port: 2005

2005 Malvedos Vintage Port – Fun to try this while visiting the beautiful Quinta dos Malvedos and having plenty of time to enjoy it. Deep purple and fully opaque color with primary blueberry, violets and cinnamon spice that is very fragrant. The Malvedos is almost syrupy but is slightly lighter and juicier than that. Grapey tank flavors persist, with a touch of anise. This was bottled just five months earlier and I was impressed by how balanced this was already. A well constructed and solid structure and overall fine effort, I suggest drinking it from 2008-2028. 93-95 points 10/5/07

Here is a FTLOP Forum thread in which our collective Port wisdom is put to good use and a discussion ensued about which was our favorite Vintage Port by Graham’s. If you have not seen this before, it is quite informative:

http://www.fortheloveofport.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=8 

Although Graham is a “first growth” Vintage Port producer, they make very solid Ports in just about all categories of Port. Their very basic Reserve Ruby is Graham’s Six Grapes and of the genre, it's my personal favorite. I had it quite recently (TN to follow) and I always choose to use it whenever I am making a Port reduction. Here was my tasting note on the Six Grapes:

Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port – The reason Six Grapes deserves the accolades it receives is based on its long standing as the most prestigious “brand” after Graham’s own Vintage Ports. This is atypical for most Port houses, which tend to place greater emphasis on their LBV bottling than their Reserve Ruby. Therefore, the selection of grapes utilized for this particular Port is of a higher caliber than the majority of its rivals. Bravo! Deep purple and fully opaque. Violets, mocha and pure grape essence comes to the fore for Six Grapes. It’s powerful and chewy nature presents a dense, well-structured Port, crammed with ripe plum and uber-sweet, brambly boysenberry fruit and a gentle touch of chocolate on the aftertaste. It has always been a personal favorite of mine within this category; as it is not only delicious, but immediately approachable and represents tremendous QPR. 88 points 2/5/08

Graham’s is also very well known for their 10, 20, 30 and 40 year old Tawny Ports. Renowned for their Tawnies every bit as much as their Vintage Ports and fine LBVs, the Tawnies are distinctive, dependable and delicious. I brought our group to visit Quinta dos Malvedos during the harvest of 2007 and we had a wonderful visit and enjoyed a comprehensive vertical of the Single Quinta Vintage Ports from Malvedos. As soon as my article is completed, I will add it to this Profile, along with a link to the tasting notes and some more pictures.

THE FRONT GATE AT QUINTA DOS MALVEDOS