Rare Tawny Port dating back to the First World War has been released by South Australian-based Seppeltsfield estate in partnership with the Australian War Memorial.
The century-old vintage Tawny made during each of the years of the first World War, are the centrepiece of only 100 ‘Para Tawny World War I Commemorative Anthology’ wine sets officially launched today (16 April). The collectors’ sets, comprising of 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917 and 1918 wines, also feature specially struck Australian War Memorial medallions made by the Royal Australian Mint.
Crafted in Australian Jarrah timber, the Para Tawny World War I Commemorative Anthology sets are individually numbered and presented with certificates of authenticity, personalised for the owner or recipient in handwritten calligraphy. Only 100 sets will be made publicly available, for $5,000 each.
Director of the Australian War Memorial, Brendan Nelson, said the War Memorial was extremely grateful to Seppeltsfield for their generosity and continued support of the War Memorial.
“A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 100 collectors’ wine sets will be donated back to the Memorial to assist with its first World War centenary commemorations,” said Nelson. “In addition, Seppeltsfield have donated a commemorative wine set to the Museum for historical purposes.”
Seppeltsfield owner and managing director, Warren Randall, said Seppeltsfield was fortunate to have a unique Tawny holding of every vintage year from 1878 onwards, which enabled the release of the commemorate wine sets. Randall, who is the son and grandson of first and second World War servicemen, said he was delighted to be able to commemorate the first World War with such a unique offering.
“My family background of war service helped engender the idea to herald the centenary observance through the limited release of Tawny made at the same time as our ANZAC traditions were being formed,” said Randall.
Seppeltsfield has recently began renovating the 1900 bottling hall at Barossa winery. The hall will be renovated to house restaurant Fino @ Seppeltsfield and the new Seppeltsfield cellar door. The renovations commenced in March and Fino @ Seppeltsfield is planned to open at the end of October this year.