2017 Port

Located upriver in the Douro Superior, Quinta do Vesuvio boasts 130 hectares of vines spread across altitudes between 130 and 530 metres above sea-level, imparting a freshness which is evident in this sensual 2017 release. Detailed aromatics display crushed violets and black rose petals over an abundance of plums and cranberries. The nose is expressive and intense, hinting at greatness. Wonderfully balanced, the palate offers gorgeous blue fruit with notes of mocha over a sweet and creamy texture. The ripe tannins are remarkably integrated, building gradually towards the back of the mouth, with bright acidity and flicks of graphite holding everything in check. Concentrated yet seductive, a balance of suppleness and freshness. It’s a complete Vintage Port with all the components singing in harmony. This sensational wine could be enjoyed in youth but has the capacity for the long term. Drink 2030-2060.
Chris Lamb, Private Account 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

Recalling my note for the 2016 iteration of this venerable marque, I was clearly minded to describe a wine of great finesse but substantial power. Well what a difference a year makes. Charles Symington describes the 2017 Warre’s as “spring-like” and with such a riot of refined floral aromas, I’m wholly inclined to agree with that epithet. Rose petals and violets buttress a kaleidoscopic nose replete with red cherries and hedgerow fruits, clove and damson, while a brooding core of aniseed and liquorice sweets just skulks in the background. The palate is simply knockout and is where, at this infantile stage, the wine’s future quality is revealed. Every structural element is amplified to the maximum with acidity honed all the way to “refinement” and tannins for the ages. This is an enormously impressive showing from the Symington family and ranks amongst my favourite expressions of the vintage. Drink 2035-2065.
Jared Ehret, Private Account Manager

The great Cockburn vintages from the early 20th century were based around a high percentage of Touriga Nacional, a grape rescued from near extinction by legendary Cockburn winemaker, JH Smithes. It is fitting, as the Symington family continues their quest to return the property to its previous heights, that the 2017 has 52% Touriga Nacional, mostly sourced from the great Quinta dos Canais, the historic backbone of Cockburn. With dark damson fruit, an abundance of silky, spicy tannins and a menthol-fresh finish, this a wonderful Cockburn that will age effortlessly for decades, yet I’m sure will be approachable in its relative youth. What a delight to see them back at the top table. Drink 2030-2060+.
Fergus Stewart, 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

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