At 37 years of age, the Kopke Colheita 81 has a good structure and nice complexity. It is a lovely wine from a rather unusual Vintage.

Roy Hersh (2010) 92 points: "Medium orange with amber center and a golden meniscus. Fragrant dried figs, raisins and cocoa powder provide a dark desiccated aroma that was more profound a few days in. Initially medium-bodied this eventually emerged as full-bodied, dense, ultra smooth and unctuous with a gentle hint of spirit which fully integrated within two to three days. For its tender age, this Colheita delivers the goods and spotlights the skill of the master blender, (Fernando Oliveira). Lots of citrus on the palate tending towards mandarin orange, enhanced by brown sugar and a chocolate-coffee aftertaste. Kopke's 1981 continued to improve with air time and was a very different wine three days open; delivering a rich and silky texture, delineated secondary character and excellent length."

Mark Squire (Robert parker 2017) 92 points: "The 1981 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 150 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is lovely, dark, burnished and unctuous. From a rather poor vintage year, this still shows well, demonstrating yet again that you can't necessarily assume vintage years control the quality of Colheitas. It doesn't have a lot of depth, but the flavor and texture are very fine, laced with dried caramel and just a touch of brandy. There is that bit of alcohol in the background. The finish is long, though, and filled with flavor. It is bright and lifted. 

Vintage: 1981
Alcohol content: 20%
Volume: 75 cl
Grapes: Blend of traditional Douro grapes
Cellaring: drink or keep for a few decades
Serving: 13 to 14 C
Last: 6 to 8 weeks after opening
Pairing: Like any Tawny Port this 81 will match all kinds of desserts such as a creme brûlée or an almond tart. It may also be served as a digestive with or without a cigar.