Like many Port wine producers, Mackenzie’s had Scottish origins.
It was founded in 1852 by Kenneth Mackenzie, who came to Cádiz in Spain and established a sherry shipping business.
In 1870 he partnered with William Minchin Driscoll to form Mackenzie Driscoll in Oporto, Portugal, and sell Port wines.
After the Second World War the house was sold to the German-founded J. H. Andresen (which still trades in Oporto).
The last MacKenzie Driscoll vintage Port shipped was the 1966.
In 1970 Andresen sold Mackenzie’s to Harvey’s of Bristol. The last known Vintage Port under the Mackenzie’s name was the 1982.
Back to 1963 and a watershed vintage of high quality and high volume (like 1927) that marked the turnaround of Port’s fortunes after post-war struggles. Some producers sold more wine than since the 1896 vintage.
In my ongoing experience, 1963 Ports are unfailingly excellent (assuming good condition and that a bottle hasn’t been stored next to an Aga for the past 50 years…).
For anybody celebrating a 60th birthday or anniversary this year, the ’63s are Port authorities…