QUARLES HARRIS Vintage Port 1977 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
Quarles Harris Vintage Port 1977 is a distinguished expression that showcases its rich heritage and unique characteristics, earning 18 points from esteemed critic Jancis Robinson. This visually captivating wine displays a healthy ruby colour with a brick rim, indicating its maturation. The nose reveals a complex bouquet leaning toward subtle mineral notes rather than overt fruitiness, suggesting sophistication and maturity. On the palate, it is powerful and full-bodied, exhibiting an impressively sweet profile typical of traditional Portuguese styles. This sweetness is well-balanced with the wine's overall richness, providing a harmonious interplay. Perfect for immediate enjoyment, this vintage Port offers an intriguing tasting experience that pairs beautifully with rich desserts, making it a cherished addition to any wine collection.

ABOUT THIS PORT
Quarles Harris Vintage Port 1977 is a remarkable expression that embodies its rich heritage and the unique characteristics of the vintage, having earned an impressive score of 18 points from esteemed critic Jancis Robinson. This wine is visually captivating, showcasing a healthy ruby colour accented by a brick rim—an indication of its maturation and elegance.

On the nose, the 1977 Quarles Harris reveals a complex bouquet that leans more towards subtle mineral notes rather than overt fruitiness. This nuance hints at the wine's sophisticated character and maturity, inviting the taster to delve deeper into its aromatic profile. The layers of scent present a refined expression of its terroir and craftsmanship.

On the palate, the wine is powerful and full-bodied, exhibiting an impressively sweet profile that reflects the traditional Portuguese style. The sweetness is well-balanced with the wine's overall richness, creating a harmonious interplay that is both satisfying and engaging. Robinson's observations highlight that while the tannic structure is not overly pronounced, the wine compensates with its interesting complexity and depth.

Quarles Harris Vintage Port 1977 offers a unique and captivating tasting experience, making it an appealing choice for any Port enthusiast. The wine is perfect for enjoyment now, allowing drinkers to celebrate its distinctive qualities and intricate character. Whether savoured on its own or paired with rich desserts, this vintage Port exemplifies the elegance and tradition of its lineage, ensuring its place as a cherished offering in any wine collection.

JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
Healthy ruby with a brick rim. Quite subtle already; there is some perceptible evolution of colour and flavour here. Mineral rather than fruit flavours dominate. Very big and full. Very, very sweet indeed – in fact I thought it was from a Portuguese house. This wine delivers a pretty good combination of power, interest and, especially, sweetness. This is not a wine to be ignored! But it's a very particular style....without enormous tannic reserves. (JR)

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ABOUT QUARLES HARRIS
Quarles Harris is a historic port wine producer based in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Established in 1888, the estate has a rich legacy in crafting high-quality port wines, known for their exceptional flavor profiles and traditional production methods.

The brand specializes in a variety of port styles, including vintage, tawny, and ruby ports. Quarles Harris is particularly renowned for its vintage ports, which are produced from the best grapes harvested during exceptional years, thus showcasing the intensity and unique character of the terroir. These wines are characterized by their rich flavors, deep color, and excellent aging potential, often developing complex profiles over time.

The vineyards of Quarles Harris benefit from the distinct microclimate of the Douro Valley, with steep terraces and schistous soils that support the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. The estate emphasizes traditional winemaking techniques, including hand-harvesting of grapes and fermentation in stainless steel or wooden vats, followed by aging in oak barrels.

Over the years, Quarles Harris has garnered recognition and awards for its wines, further solidifying its reputation in the port wine industry. The estate's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability contributes to its standing as a respected name in the world of Portuguese wines.

Though lesser-known compared to some other port producers, Quarles Harris represents a blend of tradition and quality, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking authentic port wine experiences. The distinct character of its wines reflects the heritage and dedication the estate brings to the art of winemaking in the Douro Valley.