I thought that I'd dig out some notes from a Quinta de Vargellas 2005-1967 vertical conducted by Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of Taylor’s, at The Royal Opera House in London, to commemorate the release of the 2005 Quinta de Vargellas a few years ago.
At the 1995 harvest it was decided, exceptionally, to separate the best and oldest vines of the Vargellas vineyard and to make an additional wine from these. Less than four pipes of Vargellas Vinha Velha (‘Old Vineyard’) were produced, equating to 224 cases, about 10% of Vargellas’ production.
These vines were mostly planted in 1910, with more planted by Dick Yeatman in 1927. At 80+ years, the vines are allegedly older on average than those in Noval’s Nacional, which averages 40+ years. Yields are probably a quarter of the usual 800g per vine at Vargellas.
This inaugural Vinha Velha was made discreetly so as not to undermine the full Vargellas wine. Adrian Bridge describes it as, "a more concentrated version of Vargellas, with many layers and more depth".
Intensely coloured, noticeably deeper than the Vargellas 1995. Closed and hibernating, but this hints at real power and intensity to come…A very focussed and fine nose. Thick, rich fruit on the palate, and more concentration than the Vargellas, with an immense tannic structure. A very powerful, intense style of Port that finishes slightly crudely, suggesting some imbalance, but once mature this should be a highly impressive showstopper. Tremendous length, with the young fruit flavours lasting for ages.