The Symington Family has been actively promoting Graham’s 80-year-old Tawny Port across several European cities, a new category of age-dated Tawny Port introduced in early 2025. This category allows shippers with old stock to release unique wines for the first time, and Graham’s has made a significant contribution.
The creation of this exquisite Tawny has a personal touch; it celebrates the 80th birthday of Peter Symington, a pivotal figure in Graham’s winemaking history. Peter, who produced 45 vintages for the family, introduced innovative stainless-steel robotic lagares in 1998, revolutionizing Port production. Under his influence, the family’s output increased dramatically, from 1,000 pipes to nearly 20 million liters by the time of his retirement in 2009.
To honor his father, Charles Symington, the current winemaker and fourth generation of the family, explored the Graham’s wine lodge and curated an 80-year-old Tawny Port. The blend includes wines from 1941 and 1942, which were carefully aged and preserved despite the loss of over half their volume to evaporation over the decades. Only 600 bottles of this exceptional vintage exist, with merely 76 allocated to the UK.
Graham’s 80-year-old Tawny is the second wine in this new category, following the established hierarchy of aged Tawnies. Charles ensured that the blend maintains a remarkable balance and freshness, creating a product that exceeds the expectations set by its individual components. This release showcases the impeccable craftsmanship that Graham’s is known for.
The tasting experience of Graham’s 80-Year-Old Tawny reveals a beautiful mahogany color and a complex nose filled with notes of butterscotch, dried figs, walnuts, and a hint of coffee. Its smooth texture offers a richness of caramelized fruit and marmalade, balanced by a refreshing acidity that leads to an incredibly long finish. This refined blend is designed to be enjoyed over several weeks after opening, highlighting its exquisite character.
In addition to the 80-year-old, Graham’s has also introduced a 40-year-old Tawny, based on a single-harvest colheita from the 1982 vintage. This wine displays a delightful aroma of Brazil nuts, chocolate, and dried fruits, showcasing the richness and balance typical of Graham’s.
As echoed by Anthony Symington, this 40-year-old Tawny is described as "happiness in a glass," reflecting the high caliber of Graham’s offerings and their dedication to producing some of the finest Ports available.