Krohn Colheita 2005

Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two Norwegians - Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn - shipping initially to Scandinavia and Germany. In the century and a half since its foundation, Krohn has built up an outstanding reputation. Long renowned for the quality of their sublime Colheitas (single vintage tawnies), they produce a remarkably complete range for a small house, and each wine excels in its category. Much of the secret lies in the high quality of their vineyards - the magical combination of terroir, locality, aspect, incline and low-yielding vines. Their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in Sarzedinho, in the Rio Torto valley (where vinification takes place), is all A grade vineyard. Indeed Krohn only work with grapes from A-graded vineyards across all of their ports, and their top wines are still trodden by foot. Since 2013 Krohn has been part of the Fladgate Partnership - alongside Taylor's, Fonseca and Croft.

Krohn is renowned for the quality of its Colheitas - and the 1999 explains why. An incredibly rich and complex Port that deserves to be savoured. It literally knocked our socks off at a recent tasting.

Vineyards

A blend of several indigenous varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta Roriz. The 1999 vintage experienced a wet winter followed by a dry spring and summer. High rainfall before the beginning of the harvest increased the yield, and although quality in some areas was uneven, Krohn have produced a very attractive Colheita.

Vinification

Grapes are hand-harvested and all premium Ports are still trodden by foot. After fortification Colheita Ports are aged in small casks for a minimum of 7 years (600 litre), and bottled to order.

Tasting Notes

Brick red in colour with an appealing nose of spice, dates, caramel and nutty characters. The palate has amazing depth with layers of rich dried fruit and candied peel backed by an appealing palate weight, black fruit acidity and tremendous length.

Colheitas pair well with soft cheeses such as Camembert and Brie.