Symington Family Estates

We have again worked with the Symingtons to craft our Vintage Port. The 2016 vintage was de¬ned by freshness and elegance. Our example has an intense nose full of red and black fruit, coupled with fresh blood orange zest. The palate is lively and bright with both blackberry and blueberry fruit coming to the fore, and a hint of sweet raspberries behind. The typical herbal notes of the Douro are in evidence with touches of sweet spice. The palate culminates in a long, lingering ¬finish. The tannins are very clearly present, yet are smooth and exceptionally fi¬ne. This is a highly attractive, elegant Vintage Port with depth and character. Drink 2026-2048.
Catriona Felstead MW, Wine Buyer

When we asked Charles Symington, Head Winemaker at Dow, Graham and Warre, to send in samples for our Own Selection from the superb 2011 vintage, he was happy to oblige. After extensive tasting, we concluded the wine made in the style of Graham best captured the essence of this extraordinary year with its precision, purity and power.

The blend is mainly Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, with a small percentage of Souzão sourced from some of the best vineyards of the Douro Superior. The nose glories in notes of gum cistus and violet, and the palate is beautifully rounded, yet with finely etched tannins on the finish – making this vintage, to my mind, the best since 1994.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer