The Six Grapes ‘Special Vila Velha Edition’ is a limited bottling drawn exclusively from the finest grapes grown at Quinta da Vila Velha – one of the four Douro estates that supplies Graham’s Port. The property was purchased by the late third-generation port producer, James Symington, in 1987. For over three decades, James restored and extended the quinta into a well-tended 145-hectare riverside property with 55 hectares under vine. With its privileged position on the south bank of the Douro River, Vila Velha produces well-structured and balanced wines that form key components of Graham’s Vintage Ports.
Reviews
Deep dark-fruited character with crushed oranges, flowers and wet stone character. Full and rich but crunchy with fresh juiciness to it. Wide and compact tannins, yet fine and textured and very long. Firm and structured. Sweet and fruit-forward. A special edition ruby, made with old vines. It’s a crusted port! Mostly 2020 and 2019. Unfined and not filtered. Drink or hold.
Packs a pretty good core altogether, with bramble-laced açaí berry, boysenberry and dark plum fruit notes working nicely with anise and fruitcake flavors. The finish shows sneaky length and is underscored by a subtle tug of earth. Yummy stuff. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases made, 600 cases imported.
- James Molesworth