Delaforce, 'Curious & Ancient', 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal, N/V

Producer Profile

Founded in 1868, Delaforce is one of the Douro’s classic Port houses, long respected for its elegant, fruit-driven style and consistency across Port categories.

British in origin, the house built its reputation through blending expertise, careful ageing and strong export markets, particularly in the UK and Europe. Today, Delaforce forms part of Real Companhia Velha, Portugal’s oldest wine company, giving it access to some of the Douro’s finest vineyard sources while preserving its distinct house style. The brand balances heritage Port production with a modern outlook, producing both traditional Ports and contemporary Douro table wines aimed at international consumers.

Over 30 classic Douro grape varieties can be used to make port but only a handful of the best are planted in the Delaforce vineyards, each contributing its unique character and flavour to the blend. Grapes are sourced from prime Douro Valley vineyards, especially Rio Torto and Roncão in Cima Corgo, with key varieties like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz, hand-harvested for quality.

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.

Tasting Note

This very rare old tawny is drawn from the firm’s extensive reserves of old cask matured port. Its elegant and complex nose displays aromas of orange flower, walnut and butterscotch, spicy hints of liquorice and vanilla and an attractive ‘cigar box’ woodiness on a background of rich figgy fruit. In the mouth it is round, smooth and richly-flavoured with a long spicy and jammy finish.

Food matching

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