A very rare bottle of Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas 1965 vintage port has been sampled by Patrick Schmitt, editor of The Drinks Business, together with its owner Hamish Anderson, head sommelier at the Tate Modern.

Due to the damp, cool and stable conditions in the cellar of the Elizabethan country house where it was discovered, the 46-year-old vintage port tasted "significantly younger" than expected, said Mr Schmitt.

Usually seen as lower quality than classic vintage port, the Quinta de Vargellas 1965 challenged the notion that it is a "second wine" designed to be drunk earlier than its counterparts.

"Vargellas is capable of delivering a stellar performance when other vineyards haven't been able to contribute high enough quality to make a classic vintage Taylor's," said Andrew Hawes, managing director at Taylor's agent Mentzendorff.

It follows news that a rare Quinta do Noval 1966 vintage port is being auctioned in Washington to raise money for a charity that helps provide education and healthcare in Mexico.