Kopke 50 Years Old Tawny Port is a novelty for 2022 and an extension of the ‘aged tawny’ category, where 40 years has so far been the highest precise age statement. Since Kopke is one of the mainstays of the tawny genre, they have appropriately done their homework and created a wine monument at the first attempt.
Kopke have blended ancient tawnys from their warehouses in Vila Nova de Gaia to create this unique port, which fortunately is not only unique; it tastes and, not least, smells unearthly good; meditation wine from the very top shelf.
In a wine like this, well-preserved wines of an appropriate age and an experienced cellar master are paramount to the result. Age in itself is no guarantee of good port wine: it requires a wine where sensible aging gives the wines the right balance between the elements, and where an experienced ‘master blender’ creates a unity from a vinous patchwork of casks and vintages. This has been fully achieved with this reference wine, which sets the quality bar at the very top.
The scent is not at all subtle. This is big tawny with full emphasis on the aromas: walnuts, candied prunes, Christmas spice, wood-derived aromas, muscovado sugar and rancio and oxidation aromas. Everything is kept in check by a brilliant acid freshness that overshadows a considerable content of residual sugar. The aftertaste is counted in minutes rather than seconds.
Enjoyed in devotion, best without food, but preferably in good company.
We recommend a serving temperature of 13-17° and preferably use a spacious white wine glass where the aromas are allowed to unfold.
The wine stays fresh for a few weeks after opening: the longest if stored in a refrigerator.