The Tasting Panel magazine

September 2015

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60  /  the tasting panel  /  september 2015 Ports and prestigious, yet very expensive vintage Ports. This not only made quality Port more accessible to existing Port enthusiasts, but also created a whole new segment of consumers who had previously not seen the appeal of basic ruby Port or were discouraged by the high prices of vintage Ports. Entirely approachable upon release and with no need to decant, Special Reserve lives up to its title. Sumptuously viscous in texture, it tastes of plum pudding, burnt caramel and herbs. Special Reserve will pair famously with aromatic blue cheeses and bittersweet chocolate, or potentially gamier red meat, such as venison. Founded by Robert Cockburn in 1815, Cockburn's played a critical role in revitalizing the Port industry in the post- Napoleonic era. In the early 19th century, well-established British Port houses, along with new arrivals seeking to fill the void caused by war, found it safe to return to Portugal. Among these new arrivals were brothers John, Robert and Henry Cockburn. Ready to employ their business savvy and unyielding pursuit of excellence, they soon began to estab- lish a name for themselves. Always looking to be on the cutting edge, Cockburn's was one of the first companies to invest in the actual vineyards that were renowned for producing quality fruit instead of simply buying their Port from Portuguese brokers. They soon shed their identity as simply Port shippers and grew into respected producers as they devoted their resources back into their infrastructure, as well as hiring the best and brightest winemakers and grow- ers the region had to offer. These practices proved to be a formula for success as Cockburn's grew to become the largest Port shipper in the world within the next century. In celebration of their 200th birthday, Cockburn's is offering their Special Reserve in a limited edition anniversary gift tin. The anniver- sary bookends a series of exciting developments at Cockburn's that transpired over the last few years. They have recently reopened the Cockburn's Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia to the public. The lodge features the largest barrel cellar in the Port trade, as well as a swanky modern tasting room and an intimate courtyard for picnicking. In 2010, Symington Family Estates acquired the brand after 48 years in various corporate hands. This acqui- sition would mark Cockburn's return to family ownership and a commitment to premium quality, with the 2011 vintage as evidence of that sentiment, receiving nearly perfect scores across the board. As Cockburn's closes the book on its first two centuries, two things remain certain for their years to come (other than death and taxes): Cockburn's will never sacrifice quality, and people will continue to get their name wrong. Thankfully, Cockburn's takes pride in both. Cockburn's is imported by Premium Port Wines. PHOTO COURTESY OF COCKBURN'S PORT PHOTO COURTESY OF COCKBURN'S PORT In a historic photo, a Cockburn's Port boat making its way into London. Cockburn's played a critical role in revitalizing the Port industry in the post- Napoleonic era. A historic photo of Cockburn's cooperage.

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