Kym Rayner at Torlesse in North Canterbury began a port solera system in 1992 meaning that today, his non-vintage tawny port releases contain wine components from barrels that are up to 25 years old! Think rich, dried sultanas and currants, sweet leather and buckets of spice that lead to a long, caramelized finish. www.torlesse.co.nz
Port Reviews
Mazuran’s Vintage Port 1974 $P.O.A
Mazuran’s on Lincoln Road, West Auckland have been crafting port wines since the early 1940’s, and magnificently, have vintage ports still available to buy dating back to 1942. They are the only New Zealand winery to distil its own grape brandy for fortifying its wines, many of which are made using 79-year-old vines. 79! I … Read More
Quinta Da Romaneira Late Bottled Vintage LBV 2012 Unfiltered $54.90
This Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) is made from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca and Tina Cão grapes harvested in 2012. Then it spent around five years in oak cask before being bottled without filtration (to preserve the fruit intensity). I love the crazy walnut and blackcurrant aromas that wash into a rich, seriously spicy, … Read More
Quinta Da Romaneira 10 Year Old Tawny Port $64.90
Da Romaneira are one of the oldest Quintas in Portugals’ Douro Valley and this 10 YO Tawny is produced from a blend of old ports made from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca that have an average age of 10 years before bottling. Russet-coloured, perfumed with caramelized raisin, roasted, nutty notes, dried … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin canvas column for Sat Nov 11 2017
You know the old saying, make sure you have a port in every girl… Quinta Da Romaneira 10 Year Old Tawny Port $64.90 Da Romaneira are one of the oldest Quintas in Portugals’ Douro Valley and this 10 YO Tawny is produced from a blend of old ports made from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga … Read More