We have 2 bottles of Quarles Harris porto reserve 1940 bottled 1987 premiere wine merchants inc. New York.We purchased it years ago from Frederick and Nelsons in Seattle, Wash. Would like to know if it is good and the value?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Although I have been an importer of more than one Port shipper in my career, I have rarely tasted Quarles Harris Ports. It might be considered the dark horse in the stellar Symington portfolio led by luminaries such as Graham's and Warre's. The brand is listed on the Symington site, but there is no active link to further information. Quarles Harris does have a reputation as offering solid value.
The good news is that the unusual Port you seem to have has apparently been aged in cask for many years in the style of a Colheita, often called a vintage Tawny. This type of Port can be wonderful and extremely durable given its long, oxidative aging. I could only guess as to the value, but it may be delicious!
