Taylor’s Port has expanded its collection of aged Ports with the launch of Very, Very Old White Port (VVOP White), a highly rare expression produced from White Ports aged for more than 80 years in seasoned oak casks.
Taylor’s VVOP White will be released in extremely limited quantities through selected fine wine merchants worldwide (RRP €800/US$913), offering a highly collectable addition for fine wine collectors and Port enthusiasts.
Described as more than an extraordinary wine, the expression reflects a philosophy that has shaped Taylors Port for more than 300 years: ‘the belief that the finest things cannot be hurried, and that every generation has a responsibility to preserve something of value for those that follow.’
VVOP White is the oldest White Port released by Taylor’s Port, crafted from a limited reserve of historic White Ports, with some components dating back to 1896 and reflecting more than a century of careful ageing.
The release of the House’s “rarest and most closely guarded treasures” taps into growing demand for exceptionally old White Ports.
VVOP White is drawn from wines that have been carefully matured and preserved over multiple generations before their release.
Taylor’s Port Managing Director Adrian Bridge said: “This is much more than launching a new Port wine. It is the culmination of generations of knowledge, patience and dedication. Every bottle reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while continuing to invest for future generations.
“Leading a company with more than three centuries of history is both an honour and a responsibility. We are custodians of an extraordinary legacy. Our role is to respect the past while ensuring the House remains relevant and inspiring for generations to come.”
A rare expression of Douro heritage
Taylor’s describes VVOP White as a “living archive”, with some of the wines in the blend dating back to an era before electricity reached much of the Douro Valley.
At the time, grapes were trodden by foot in granite lagares, while Port wines were transported to Vila Nova de Gaia onboard traditional barcos rabelos or by steam train, navigating a river later transformed by 20th-century hydroelectric dams.
Some of the vineyards that originally produced these wines no longer exist, having since been submerged beneath the waters of the Douro. As the landscape and the wider world evolved over generations, the wines continued to mature in oak, preserving characteristics from an earlier era.
Once these historic reserves are gone, they can never be recreated.
Taylor’s Head Winemaker and Master Blender David Guimaraens said the release reflects a legacy passed down through generations of the House’s blenders, with the blend created to honour the history of its components.
He said: “When you’re working with Port wines that have been ageing for decades, you’re making decisions that honour the work of people who are no longer here. That’s both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility.
“Time has given this wine extraordinary depth while preserving remarkable elegance and freshness. Achieving that balance is what makes wines like this so rare.”
A landmark White Port release
Luminous amber-gold in colour, Taylor’s VVOP White combines aromatic depth with layered aromas of dried apricot, almond biscotti, candied orange peel, wild lavender, jasmine and orange blossom.
On the palate, roasted hazelnuts, almonds, tonka bean, blood orange, honeycomb and saffron are complemented by vibrant acidity and delicate salinity, leading to a long, elegant finish. The wine gradually reveals additional layers of character in the glass.
To highlight the wine’s rarity, Taylor’s commissioned a bespoke crystal decanter in partnership with Vista Alegre, one of Portugal’s leading luxury houses.
The presentation case combines contemporary design with certified materials selected for their quality and sustainability, reflecting Taylor’s commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity and responsible stewardship. ✈
