Warre's Vintage Port 1977

Region: Douro Valley, Portugal

Grape: Traditional Douro varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca

Vineyard Practice: Sustainable

Culinary Suggestions: Blue cheese, rich chocolate desserts, roasted nuts

Alcohol: 20%

Bottle Size: 750ml

Overview

Warre's, established in 1670, holds the distinction of being the oldest British Port house, founded in the Douro Valley by two Englishmen, William Burgoyne and John Jackson. The business truly came into its own when it was joined by William Warre in the early 18th century, whose family had strong roots in Portugal and would come to be synonymous with high-quality Port production. Over the centuries, Warre's has remained family-owned, with the Symington family now at the helm since the early 20th century, bringing a deep knowledge of viticulture and commitment to quality.

Warre's is celebrated for its balanced and elegant Ports, especially its Vintage Ports, known for their rich structure and long aging potential. The winery has embraced sustainable practices across its vineyards, particularly in Quinta da Cavadinha, their flagship estate in the Pinhão Valley. Warre’s iconic Ports, like the Warrior Reserve (one of the oldest Port brands) and Otima 10 and 20 Year Tawny, exemplify their finesse and tradition. Their commitment to heritage, combined with innovation, has helped Warre’s maintain its reputation as one of the most respected names in Port wine.

The 1977 vintage, one of the most celebrated Port years, was marked by ideal growing conditions in the Douro Valley, yielding wines of exceptional structure and ageing potential. This vintage was produced using traditional methods, including foot-treading the grapes in granite lagares, which enhances extraction and concentration.

The 1977 Warre’s is a quintessential expression of the house’s style: elegant yet powerful. The wine opens with an aromatic bouquet of blackcurrant, prunes, and a hint of spice, leading into a complex palate where notes of dark berries, roasted coffee, and earthy truffle are interwoven. Decades of maturation have softened its tannins, lending a silky texture and a lingering finish with subtle mineral and tobacco nuances. This vintage is widely praised for its harmony and balance, and while it offers immense pleasure now, it also retains further ageing potential for collectors.

Critic Reviews

92 points

Robert Parker Jr, Wine Advocate January 1989 

This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The 1977 is quite powerful, very deep and intense, particularly for Warre.