2017 Port

Owned by French conglomerate AXA, there’s always a dash of Gallic flair in Noval’s exceptional Vintage Ports, and the 2017 looks to be another sensational wine. Unflustered, no elements leap out on tasting; it takes its own time to reveal a superb array of firm fruits with hints of herbs and tobacco, before reaching its zenith. Beautifully balanced, suave, chic and classy, this is a triumph for this wonderful estate which continues to thrive under the management of that most urbane Englishman, Christian Seely. Drink 2032-2052.
Tom Cave, Customer Private Reserves Manager

With dark, spicy, rich and intriguing fruit on the nose, there is so much there, and it’s so complex. Fabulous on the palate, it’s expansive and fascinating – fine, elegant and intricate, with rich and spicy black and red fruit. Crisp acidity keeps the fruit in check and very fine tannins bring it all together. A very impressive Fonseca. Drink 2030-2050+.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager

A mere 600 cases were produced of this wine, making it one difficult bottle to get hold of. Well worth the effort, this wine is incredible. Exclusively from the Port Arthur and Cardenhos sections of Quinta dos Malvedos, vines have been grown here since the early 1900s. Only the fourth bottling of this wine, The Stone Terraces is a wine with both opulence, acidity and structure. Predominately Touriga Nacional, with Alicante Bouschet and Sousao, it is multi-layered and intense, with blackberry, raspberry, cinnamon and spice. A wine for the long haul. Drink 2035-2070.
Mike Jordan, Private Account Manager

Owned by French conglomerate AXA, there’s always a dash of Gallic flair in Noval’s exceptional Vintage Ports, and the 2017 looks to be another sensational wine. Unflustered, no elements leap out on tasting; it takes its own time to reveal a superb array of firm fruits with hints of herbs and tobacco, before reaching its zenith. Beautifully balanced, suave, chic and classy, this is a triumph for this wonderful estate which continues to thrive under the management of that most urbane Englishman, Christian Seely. Drink 2032-2052.
Tom Cave, Customer Private Reserves Manager

Primarily a blend of two vineyards, Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira in the Douro Superior and the well-known Quinta do Bomfim near to Pinhão. This is classic Dow and absolutely sings, with juniper-infused dark berry aromas and floral scents on the nose. The 42% Touriga Nacional gives succulent richness, while the savoury Dow style is very much in evidence with a deliciously dry, mouth-watering finish that lingers long on the palate. This is mightily impressive, inviting yet serious and unyielding all at the same time. Drink 2035-2065.
Peter Newton, Private Account Manager

Very simply, I defy anyone not to be impressed by 2017 Graham’s. The nose is opulent and weighty with baked plum and damson, while the palate echoes this with lift and elegance – more than I can ever recall for this great grower. The finish is really what impresses though. The tannins are fine with liquorice and minerality woven throughout. There is a distinct freshness – the hallmark of the vintage – but it is so dovetailed with the structure, the very being of the wine, that it is seamless. Very special Vintage Port. Drink 2035-2080.
Gary Owen, Private Account Manager

Impeccably well-bred, Taylor’s has never been a flamboyant sort and the 2017 is appreciably reserved on the nose initially; when it’s allowed to open out, its class tells, with some supremely attractive, dark plum notes. It’s big-shouldered, yet refined, and again that sense of sheer class and breeding comes through, taking time in the glass to reveal all which will be reflected in its enormous longevity. As grand and noble a Taylor’s as ever. Drink 2035-2055+.
Catriona Felstead MW, Buyer