Hutcheson 1952

[Arnaud de Jong]

Hello there, i'm new to this forum and quite frankly, new to port.

My father found three of these old bottles of port in our cellar. I've included a picture which he made. We're planning on drinking this for my mothers 60th birthday this summer. It's a 1952 port (mothers' year of birth) bottled in 1971. It's always been stored sideways so i suppose the cork should be good.

All i want to know if this is a good bottle & whether it's worth something. We're going to drink it anyway but i'd be nice if i can tell something about it. I've tried to google this and looking in forums but no reall answers for me there.

Can any of you experts help me identify this bottle?
thanks is advance.

[Eric Ifune]

This would be, nowdays, a Colheita Port. A wood aged Port from a designated year. 1952 was quite good for these and if in good condition, these should be more than drinkable.

[Roy Hersh]

Although Hutcheson was a lower tier producer, if there is any chance of something they made being good, it would be a Colheita from 1952. I would bet this might be a very solid bottle of Tawny Port, as long as it was not cooked in terms of exposure to heat, while it was stored. Outside of that, likely this should be a fine drink to celebrate your mother's birthday. Enjoy! Please let us know how it was.

[Andy Velebil]

It was bottled in 1971, so yes it is a Colheita (wood aged Port from a single harvest). A long time ago for most Colheita's. But as mentioned, as long as it's not heat damaged it should hopefully still be a decent drink.

Please do report back and let us know how it was when you open it.

[Moses Botbol]

I'd be real excited if I were you to try it. As earlier posted, cellar conditions will play a large factor. 1952 is a great Colheita year.

[Arnaud de Jong]

He guys, thanks for your answers. I'm getting anxious to try it now indeed. I know for a fact that's it's been stored in a cool cellar ever since my grandfather put it there. I'll let you know how it was!

[Arnaud de Jong]

Hey people, well summer is over and I did get the opportunity to try this fine port. Even though i'm not a connaisseur I can say it was very good. Great way to celebrate a birthday as well. We have two bottles left so will drink again next summer. Thanks for your help people.