Delaforce, 'His Eminence’s Choice', 10 Year Old Port, Douro, Portugal

Producer Profile

The iconic Real Companhia Velha is the oldest wine company in Portugal, with a history of over 260 years of port production.

Founded in 1756 by the Portuguese Prime Minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal (called Douro Wine Company back then) to regulate the trade and production of all Port wine. One of the first official duties of the company was the delineation of the boundaries of the Douro wine region. This act essentially made the Douro the world's first regional appellation. Today this company represents some of the finest Quintas in the Douro. Prestigious and experienced, they have been able to preserve and honour the traditional winemaking while investing in the future with constant modernisation and experimentation in their vineyards.

Viticulture

His Eminence’s Choice, the distinguished and most famous of all Ports produced by Delaforce, was first made available back in the 1930s. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand in mid September and, the case of the Delaforce vineyards, are placed in small trays which keep them in perfect condition during transport to the winery.

Winemaking

The wine is carefully blended after full tasting and examination of Delaforce Ports which are selected from the best areas of the Douro Port region every year to become reserves for His Eminence. These reserves will remain maturing in casks over many years in Vila Nova de Gaia until they reach the mellow perfection for which it has justly gained much fame.

Oak Ageing

Tasting Note

This sumptuous and richly flavoured tawny port is matured for ten years in seasoned oak casks. It combines ripe jammy fruit aromas with the rich mellow flavours of wood ageing and displays the characteristic elegance, balance and harmony of the Delaforce house style. Rich and round on the palate.

Food Matching

Serve with blue cheese, mature cheddar, nuts, and chocolate desserts.

Awards

Wine Advocate 89 Points
A middle of the road Tawny, this is beautifully balanced but with enough grip on the finish to seem serious and interesting as time goes on. Lingering nicely on the flavorful finish, its elegance makes it easy to drink while the finish makes it very tasty. This has a bar top cork and was bottled in March 2015. 89 Points, MS.
Wine Spectator 89 Points
Fresh and minerally, with plum tart and cherry pie flavors that feature some tangerine hints. Sea salt and flint details show on the finish. Drink now. 3,500 cases made. 89 Points.
Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
With great balance between fruit and acidity, this is just what a 10-Year-Old tawny should be. Ripe fruits a90 Points, RV.