1977 Quarles Harris, Vintage Port

The leaves are falling and so are the temperatures.  This is perfect weather for a glass of Port at the end of an evening.  With an eye to drink beyond our typical 10 year old tawny favorites I started the season off with a bottle of 1977 Quarles Harris, Vintage Port.  Quarles Harris is a very old Port house dating back to 1680.  Under this name the wines have been available in America since at least the 1840s.  Nearly 100 years ago it was bought by the Symingtons and now represents inexpensive vintage Port.

I have not drunk a bottle of Quarles  Harris since my Bristol days but I had no fear about trying one from the stellar 1977 vintage.  This bottle peaked on the second night proving that at the right price this berry flavored, textured Port is a pleasing alternative to a young tawny.

 

1977 Quarles Harris, Vintage Port
Imported by French Regional Wine Shippers of London.  Tobacco on the nose.  In the mouth is a round start with candied fruit before the drier middle.  It responds well to air.  The berry start develops integrated grainy textured fruit with a sweetness that clings to the mouth.  It is spiced in the finish along with some wood notes before the simpler aftertaste.  *** Now will certainly last but not improve.