1970 Graham

The 1970 ports were tasting sublime at our annual tasting extravaganza (The Port Walk, November 2010). Personally I think the wines are giving the 1963s a run for their money, qualitatively, riding as they are a wave of perfection, which shows no sign of crashing to the shore. The Graham has softened beautifully, with notes of rosehip, wild honey,sloes, mocha and fig, enveloped by silky tannins and the gentle glow of spirit.
(Simon Field MW BBR Buyer)

Vintage notes: Magnificent wines with abundant ripe fruit flavours and concentrated tannins. The harmony and balance of the best 1970's wines is quite simply outstanding. The best 1970’s should be ranked amongst the all time greatest Vintage Ports produced in the Douro. After more than thirty five years of ageing, these wines are currently in perfect balance but they will continue to age gracefully for many years to come.

Dark ruby without much sign of age at the rim. Very sweet, plummy, super-‘smooth’ nose. In 1970 the Symingtons bought Graham from the Graham family (whose descendant Johnny now makes Churchill) so they felt they had to make a great debut vintage. Sweetness is the hallmark with some floral hint. Still very lively and lots of tannin still hidden under all that sumptuously ripe fruit. Very vigorous. Fresh, perfumed finish. A wine they often show in Asia to demonstrate vintage port’s longevity, and among the Syms reckoned one of their top ports of the century.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com – September 2006)