Quinta de La Rosa, 1994 Vintage Port

This is a very special port, extracted from the cellars of Quinta de la Rosa especially for EWWines! A jewel in the crown with just the right amount of bottle age for absolute pleasure this Christmas. 

The 1994 vintage in the Douro Valley stands as one of the most exceptional in modern Port history, often compared to legendary years like 1970 and 2011 for its structure, balance, and aging potential. Quinta de la Rosa, a family-run estate perched along the steep banks of the Douro River near Pinhão, produced a 1994 Vintage Port that epitomizes both the grace and power of the vintage. 

Founded in 1906 and owned by the Bergqvist family—who have been involved in Port production since the 19th century. Quinta de la Rosa is known for its elegant, terroir-driven style. Unlike many large houses that blend grapes from multiple estates, La Rosa’s Vintage Ports are typically single-quinta bottlings, reflecting the distinct microclimate and schistous soils of their terraced vineyards. The 1994 Vintage Port showcases the estate’s commitment to authenticity, combining traditional foot-treading in granite lagares with minimal intervention winemaking.

On the nose, the 1994 Quinta de la Rosa immediately captivates with an intense and complex bouquet. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and fig are intertwined with notes of dark chocolate, violets, tobacco, and a hint of dried rose petal. With over three decades of maturation, tertiary characteristics are now fully integrated - leather, spice box, and a whisper of coffee bean - while the fruit remains remarkably vibrant. This aromatic interplay reflects both the exceptional vintage conditions and La Rosa’s meticulous vinification practices.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet graceful, with a silken texture that envelops the mouth. The tannins, once firm and youthful, have evolved into a fine, velvety structure that supports layers of rich, dark fruit. Flavors of blackberry preserve, plum compote, and blackcurrant mingle with notes of cedar, licorice, and dark cocoa. The natural acidity, higher than in many Ports of the era, provides freshness and lift, keeping the finish long, precise, and lingering with nuances of spice and dried fruit. The balance between sweetness and structure is masterful, reflecting a wine at the height of its maturity but still capable of graceful aging for another two decades.

Decanting is essential, one to two hours before serving allows the wine to open fully. The 1994 pairs magnificently with aged blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort, as well as with chocolate desserts that echo its dark fruit core.