Vintage Port Direct from the Symington Estates

VINTAGE PORT Direct from the Symington Estates

The Finest Selection of Vintage Port Ever Offered in Australia!

Direct from Cellars of the Symington Family Estates As a lover of Vintage Port it is extremely exciting to present this incredible range of Vintage Ports direct from the cellars of the Symington Family Estates. Our offer includes wines from Cockburn, Dow, Gould Campbell, Graham, Martinez, Quarles Harris, Smith Woodhouse, Quinta do Vesuvio and Warre. There is a good selection of half bottles and magnums for special occasions.

What makes this offer particularly special is that the Symington Family has made available a range of aged vintages, back to 1970. These wines have rested in the cellars for up to forty years and are in pristine condition. All of the great vintages from 1970 on are included. You will find identical vintages to compare between shippers, or you have the rare opportunity to assemble verticals from a single producer. The one key feature is that all of the wines have been perfectly cellared.

If you are a lover of Vintage Port I urge you to take a good look at this serious offering. Considering the perfect provenance of the wines I feel the prices are very reasonable. You can buy thirty year old vintage ports, right in their drinking window, for the price of the current vintage. You don’t have to cellar the wines to enjoy them at their best and you don’t have to suffer the risks of purchasing at auction.

We offer all of the wines at Pre Arrival Prices which, as usual, represent a saving of around 15% on the landed prices. The wines will be shipped to Australia, after the European summer, in a refrigerated container.

Cheers, or should I say saúde!

Darren Harris Director Grand Millesime

A Very Brief History The English developed a taste for French wine almost a thousand years ago. When supplies dried up in 1667 as a result of England’s continuing conflict with France, the wine merchants of London and Bristol were forced to look elsewhere for their stock.

It was Portugal who came to their rescue.

Initial purchases were of ”Red Portugal”, a wine that resembled red vinho verde. This was too acidic and light for the English palate who demanded something with more body and sweetness.

In 1678 the British Government placed an embargo on trade with France. In the same year, two Englishmen were introduced to an abbot who offered them wine from Pinhao which was richer and smoother than “Red Portugal”. The abbott admitted that local brandy had been added during fermentation, a practice used today in all port production.

In 1703 the Methuen trade treaty was signed which provided favourable duty rates for Portuguese wines in exchange for similar treatment of English textiles imported in Portugal. This saw rapid development in the Douro and the ensuing years saw the establishment of many of the famous port names we see today.

The Symington Family The Symingtons have been Port producers for five generations since 1882 when Andrew James Symington arrived in Oporto from Scotland. However, the family can trace their involvement in the Port trade back fourteen generations to 1652 through their ancestor Beatrice Atkinson who was descended from generations of port wine shippers and producers.

Today, five members of the family work together, caring for the vineyards and the wine making for four of the greatest Port houses; Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s. The Symingtons also own five small specialist Port houses including the legendary Quinta do Vesuvio, Portugal’s greatest wine estate. Symington Family Estates is the only leading Port company in the hands of one family.

The family's Port companies account for over 30% of world sales of Premium Port, making them the leading quality Port producers.

The family is by far the largest owner of vineyards in the historic Douro Valley, with a magnificent collection of 25 Quintas comprising 1,769 hectares (4,370 acres) of land with 940 hectares (2,322 acres) of vineyard. Many of the Douro's greatest vineyards belong to the family: Quinta do Vesuvio, Malvedos, Bomfim, Cavadinha, Sra Ribeira, Tua, Canais, Retiro and Roriz (the latter together with the Prats of Bordeaux). The family is unique amongst all the leading Port companies in that the Symington family directors also own and farm their own vineyards.

What is Vintage Port?

Vintage port is made entirely from the grapes of a declared vintage year and accounts for about two percent of overall port production. Not every year is declared a vintage in the Douro. The decision on whether to declare a vintage is made in the spring of the second year following the harvest. The decision to declare a vintage is made by each individual port house, often referred to as a "shipper".

The port industry is one where reputations are hard won and easily lost, so the decision is never taken lightly. During periods of recession and war, potential "declarations" have sometimes been missed for economic reasons. Most conventional shippers will declare, on average, about three times a decade.

While it is by far the most renowned type of port, from a volume and revenue standpoint, vintage port actually makes up only a small percentage of the production of most shippers. Vintage ports are aged in barrels for a maximum of two and a half years before bottling, and generally require another ten to forty years of aging in the bottle before reaching what is considered a proper drinking age. Since they are aged in barrels for only a short time, they retain their dark ruby colour and fresh fruit flavours. Particularly fine vintage ports can continue to gain complexity and drink wonderfully for many decades after they were bottled. It is not unknown for 19th century bottles to still be in perfect condition for consumption.

Background Information Much of the information in this brochure has come from The Vintage Port Site. This excellent site features an incredible amount of information for the lover of vintage ports from the Symington Family. Make sure you take a look at www.thevintageportsite.com.

Tasting Notes We have extracted notes from as many relevant sources as possible. I have used the most recent unless it is not representative.

For the Love of Port (FTLP): At the top of the list is For the Love of Port by Roy Hersch. For the fan of all things port (and madeira) this is a site you should know all about. There is plenty of free information and subscribers can read Roy’s extensive and interesting tasting notes which, for port, go back to 1815! www.fortheloveofport.com The Great Vintage Wine Book by Michael Broadbent: One of the first book I purchased on international wine. The tasting notes for vintage ports are perhaps a little out of date but they provide a wealth of interesting background information as well as an insight into the English love of VP. Symington’s Tasting Room (SFE): A selection of information direct from Symingtons.

You will also find tasting notes from The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker et al), Wine Spectator, Serena Sutcliffe MW, Jancis Robinson, Richard Mayson, The World of Fine Wine and the Wine Enthusiast as well as Awards from the International Wine and Spirit Challenge.

LIQUOR ACT STATEMENT: Under the Liquor Reform Act 1998, it is an offence for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor. It is also an offence for a licensee to supply liquor or permit liquor to be supplied to a person under the age of 18 years.

History Cockburn’s was founded in 1815 by Robert Cockburn, a Scottish soldier who had served in the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington. Over the course of the 19th century three more families joined the firm and were instrumental in building Cockburn’s reputation: the Smithes, Teagues and Cobbs, and by the early 20th century Cockburn’s Vintage Ports were among the most highlyregarded. Like many Port shippers, the firm suffered in the difficult years following the Second World War, and in 1962 it passed into corporate ownership.

The firm has a tradition of pioneering viticulture: Cockburn’s were the first to plant experimental vineyards in the 1930s, and in the 1970s were instrumental in saving Touriga Nacional from near extinction: although this grape is a winemaker’s delight for its aromas, flavours, tannins and balanced acidity, it had fallen from favour with the growers, due to its exceptionally low yields.

Cockburn’s were remarkable for planting single-variety blocks before this practice became common and for their commitment to the Douro Superior, proving the enormous quality potential of this remote region by producing high quality Ports based on the wines made from their extensive vineyard holdings east of the Valeira Dam. In 2006 Symington Family Estates began making the wines under contract to the then owners, and in 2010 were able to buy the brand and take full control of Cockburn’s. The reputation of Cockburn’s Vintage Ports is rising once again, with Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais 2007 Vintage Port winning a Silver Medal at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Quintas Cockburn’s flagship quinta is the magnificent Quinta dos Canais, which has been at the heart of Cockburn’s Vintage Ports for almost a century. Located in the Douro Superior just east of the Valeira Dam on the north bank of the river, the vineyards stretch out along undulating hills with east, south and west facing exposures, from 110 metres at the river front up to 345 metres.

Specially selected wines from other Symington quintas in the Douro Superior are blended with those from Canais to create Cockburn’s Vintage Ports.

Flavour Profile The Vintage Ports are very full bodied with characteristic floral and esteva (rock rose) aromas, with fresh acidity and a characteristic long, dry finish.

The Wines Cockburn's produces both a Cockburn's Vintage Port, which is declared only in exceptional years, perhaps three times in a decade, and also a Quinta dos Canais Quinta Vintage Port, which typically is produced only in intervening years.

In a tasting of Cockburn’s Ports for his 1990 Vintage Port book, James Suckling tasted 11 of the vintages from 1896 to 1958, and his notes consistently remark on the very long and elegant finish of the wines. The judges at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards praised the Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais 2007 as “A well-defined and structured wine” when they awarded it a Silver Medal.

Cockburn’s 2003 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: Due to the fact that there was also a declared SQVP from Canais in this vintage, only 15% of the Quinta dos Canais grapes ever made it into this particular Vintage Port. Crimson colored and fully opaque, with a lovely nose offering up pomegranate, herbs, cocoa powder, leather and a good whiff of cedar. My first impression was favorable and much of that had to do with the generous cassis and plum flavors and round delivery, highlighted by a fine purity of grape. Off-dry and there is a harmony between the fruit, acidity and easy going tannins, which make this quite enjoyable for such a youngster. Just shy of full-bodied, but rather velvety to roll around in the mouth and it improved an hour into our tasting. A significant lingering finish with "esteva" and a soft texture that really won me over.

Drink now or over the next 15-20 years. 92 Points Wine Spectator: Fantastic aromas of blackberries and tar.

Lightly stemmy, which is the sign of a great young vintage Port.

Full-bodied, with wonderfully integrated tannins and a lasting finish. Shows outstanding potential. 95 Points Wine Advocate, Pierre Rovani: The fresh herb-laced aromatics of the dark-colored 2003 Cockburn Vintage Port reveal loads of spirit-infused black fruits. Armed with a gorgeously rich and fruit-packed mid-palate, this chocolate, black cherry, as well as sweet plum drenched wine appears to slightly drop-off before roaring back to display a long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. 91 Points

Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais Single Quinta 2000 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $69.00 Pre Arrival Price $59.00 FTLP: no note Wine Spectator: Very well done indeed. Intense aromas of tar, berries and green tobacco. Full-bodied, medium sweet, soft and thick. Very velvety and balanced. Long finish. 92 Points

Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais Single Quinta 2001 Vintage Port

Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais Single Quinta 2004 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $69.00 Pre Arrival Price $59.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $69.00 Pre Arrival Price $59.00

FTLP: no note

FTLP: no note

SFE: Very deep and dark appearance. Blackish purple.

Wonderful nose, fresh and fruity showing the larger percentage of Touriga Nacional. The palate is rich, with concentrated fruit flavours and tannins. This is how a single quinta vintage should be, with great potential for ageing but can also be appreciated without having to wait 20 years or more. Red ruby colour. An excellent bottle matured nose, brimming with red fruits such as cherries. On the palate smooth and rounded with jammy red fruit flavours and hints of bitter chocolate, leading to a long and lingering finish.

view it as an “experimental” port. It has a more introverted nose compared to other single quintas from Symington. You can fathom out the complexity, but it remains taciturn with touches of underbrush and bay leaf, so you have to just stand back and admire its superb definition. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry and very good acidity. I love the texture here: real tension and vigour, great focus but retaining the finesse. This is a wonderful, seductive single quinta. Drink 2018-2040. 91 Points The World of Fine Wine Issue 36, Richard Mayson: Just 350 cases made at Senhora da Ribeira, none of which will be put on sale; deep, opaque, and dense, rich, and ripe, but still closed on the nose; very full, sweet, and rich, fleshy and quite opulent initially, with a touch of mint, eucalyptus, and esteva (gum cistus); a firm tannic finish but overall quite suave. Lacking the weight of its peers but a good middle-distance wine for up to 10 years. 15.5 Points

Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais Single Quinta 2006 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $69.00 Pre Arrival Price $59.00 FTLP: no note erobertparker.com, Neal Martin: There are just 350 cases of the Quinta dos Canais 2006 (made at Senhora da Rabeira) and unfortunately it will probably not be commercialized as they

History The firm behind the port brand Dow’s, Silva and Cosens, began in 1798, when a Portuguese merchant, Bruno da Silva, set up business in London to import wines from his native country. Bruno thrived in London, the wines developed a strong reputation, and the business continued down through the generations, taking in Frederick William Cosens as a partner in 1862, and in 1868 George Acheson Warre (of another long-established Port trade family) joined the firm, taking responsibility for the wine making in Portugal.

In 1877 Silva & Cosens merged with another Port company, Dow & Co. As this firm also had a strong reputation for the quality of its Ports, particularly its Vintage Ports, it was decided to adopt Dow’s as a brand name for the wines produced by Silva & Cosens.

Meanwhile, Andrew James Symington arrived in Porto in 1882, to work for Graham’s, a firm which, in addition to its Port shipping activities, also conducted a general trading business, where AJS began his career. After just a few years he left Graham’s and became involved with the Port trade, becoming a partner in Warre & Co in 1905.

In 1912 George Acheson Warre decided to return to England and invited AJS to manage the Portuguese end of the Dow’s business: the Douro vineyards as well as the Lodge and stocks in Vila Nova de Gaia. Members of the Symington and Warre families continued to work together at Dow’s until 1961, when the Symingtons became sole owners of Dow’s.

One of the great assets of Dow’s has to be the Guest Books that have been kept at Quinta do Bomfim from the beginning. In these books George Acheson Warre, his colleagues, and all the Warre and Symington family members who followed him, have recorded their visits and made notes on the state of the vineyards year round, as well detailed records about the quality of the grapes and wines during harvest. These guest books have been an invaluable resource in creating our annual Vintage Reports for this site.

Quintas Dow’s was one of the first Port companies to recognise the importance of vineyard ownership in the Douro. George Acheson Warre knew the region intimately and purchased two legendary quintas for Dow’s: Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, in the Douro Superior, in 1890, and Quinta do Bomfim, at Pinhão in the Upper Douro, in 1896.

In 1954, when the Port trade was in deep crisis after the Second World War, the decision was made to sell Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, though Dow’s continued to buy the wines most years – including for such wonderful vintages as the 1955, 1963, 1966, 1970, 1980 and 1994. In 1998, the company’s Bicentenary year, the Symington Family were able to buy back Senhora da Ribeira, and to mark the occasion bottled the first Quinta Vintage Port from this extraordinary property.

Dow’s also sources grapes from two other quintas in the Douro Superior, both near Senhora da Ribeira, and both privately owned by family members: Quinta do Santinho and Quinta da Cerdeira. Together, the four estates have over 90 hectares of vineyards.

Flavour Profile Dow´s Ports have a distinctive quality and style: superbly concentrated wines that are scented with violet and mint aromas, intense and tannic when young, maturing towards a superlative racy elegance with age. Dow’s hallmark is its attractive and distinctively drier finish as compared with other Port brands.

The Wines Dow's declares a Vintage Port only in exceptional years, perhaps three times in a decade, and in the intervening years may produce Quinta Vintage Ports from Quinta do Bomfim or Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. The Senhora da Ribeira wines are exceptionally fine and, most unusually for a Quinta Vintage, are released En Primeur at the time of bottling, rather than being aged in our cellars for ten years before release, as is typical for a Quinta Vintage.

Dow’s have long been known and well regarded by connoisseurs. In 1920 the celebrated Oxford profession George Saintsbury wrote in his Notes on a Cellarbook ”There is no shipper’s wine that I have found better than the best of Dow’s, 1878 and 1890 especially.”

James Suckling, a contemporary authority on Port, attended the 1998 Dow’s Bicentenary tasting, and wrote in The Wine Spectator The tasting spanned more than a century of Vintage Ports, beginning with 1854 and ending with 1997. I rated more than half of the Ports Outstanding, at 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s 100 point scale. I gave four Vintages – 1896, 1924, 1945 and 1994 – Classic Quality ratings at 98, 96, 97 and 97 respectively. These are some of the greatest Ports ever produced.

His detailed note for the 1896 further demonstrates the quality and longevity of Dow’s Vintage Ports: “The ancient Port (1896) still had an amazing ruby colour with a garnet edge, and it smelled of raisins, black pepper and berries. It was full-bodied, with masses of fruit intertwined with layers of velvety tannins. It was superb.”

Dow’s 1970 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $640.00 Pre Arrival Price $540.00 FTLP: The long and hot summer assured that picking would begin early; August 21st and the quick rainfall on the 28th of that month seemed to help, but then it got really hot again. Overall, the growing season was outstanding for Port. Coincidentally, the cost of grapes doubled in this year. Medium dark garnet in color with a pink edge and tawny meniscus. Gorgeous aromatics with damson plum, almond and a hint of boysenberry. Resolved tannins, yet seemingly youthful considering its nearly 40 years of age; although beginning to show signs of secondary nuances at this point. Full, round and velvety in the mouth, nearly perfect texturally and wonderful balance even though at 3.4 Baumé this is a bit ripe for a Dow. It has always been one of my favorites of the vintage and I bought in when prices had just gone up, but still reasonable at $34 at the time. This provided a long, dry and slightly grippy finish, with exquisite complexity on the aftertaste.

Possibly the best showing of '70 Dow I've experienced and I sipped it slowly and returned often during the entire time we sat listening to Paul and others discussing this and other VPs in the lineup. A fabulous bottle with upside po; I have no doubt that others stored this well will be drinking beautifully for at least another 15-20 years. A great start to this vertical. 96 Points

Richard Mayson: Much deeper in colour, restrained, demure on the nose with underlying intensity; lovely firm tight knit fruit with a drier edge in the Dow style, bitter-sweet, dark chocolate character, very Dow and very good. Still with amazing vitality for a wine in its 42rd year. Drink and enjoy now by all means but this will open up with age and will last a lifetime. 19.5/20 SFE: Deep, dark colour, with tremendous concentration, lovely aromas of cherries, ripe plums and a hint of violets. On the palate, laden with fruit, excellent tannic core and a long balanced and lingering finish.

Dow’s 1977 Vintage Port MILLENNIUM MAGNUM Normal Price $480.00 Pre Arrival Price $410.00

Dow’s 1975 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $195.00 Pre Arrival Price $165.00 FTLP: No note Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Sixteen notes, deeply impressive shortly after bottling and consistently good throughout the 1980s. It seemed to me best after about ten years. Most recently at the Dow bicentenary tasting, palish, fully mature, drying out a little, lean but still a very attractive wine.

***

FTLP: Medium cranberry red center and slight bricking on the edge. Intoxicating floral fragrance that filled the room, during its nine hour decant; accented by anise, plum and raspberry notes and a bit of spirit. Fresh, fleshy grape, dark cherry and fig flavors melded with underpinnings of licorice, chocolate and warming spirit. It's developing into a stunning middle-aged Port at 34 years of age, with little signs of nearing peak yet. Rich and multi-faceted, smooth and velvety ... even more so the second day it was opened. The acidity was near perfect and the tannins are tame but omnipresent; while the finish was spicy, warm and extremely long. This was an excellent bottle, similar ones will likely drink near peak in fifteen years or so, although quite nice at the moment. 94 Points Robert Parker: This is an extraordinary house that seems to have been particularly successful with its vintage port since 1977.The 1977, still a baby, is fabulously scented, very rich and concentrated, and has a potential longevity of at least another 30-50 years. 93 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: In 1979 crisp, ruby purple, spirity, beef-tea nose; sweet, full yet fleshy. Loads of all the appropriate component parts.Over two dozen well-spaced notes, later illustrating the beginning of colour loss in the mid1980s, though still ruby, intense, translucent. The nose endlessly fascinating with sweet, fig-like fruit, a squeeze of tangerine, cognac-like spirit, tight-knit but developing fragrance. A decade later rich, intense, almost explosively assertive, with the grip of a good vintage and long lean dry finish. Attractive bottles in the late 1990s and, most recently, a very fragrant scented magnum almost eau de cologne (we were informed that a very distinctive ‘herbal’ mose is common to all ‘77s). Unusual, high-toned, delicious. ****(*) Wine Spectator, Bruce Sanderson: The ’77 Dow had a huge nose of sweet plum and raspberry with hints of flowers. Ripe and opulent on the palate, it had a touch of caramel, along with licorice and molasses, all tempered by ripe berry fruit. The flavors lingered, leaving a sweet aftertaste. 95 Points

Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port

Dow’s 1991 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $305.00 Pre Arrival Price $260.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $120.00 Pre Arrival Price $102.00

FTLP: Possibly the darkest and most extracted color of the night, opaque and inky. This is always a tremendous Vintage Port and way up in the 1985 pecking order. A fragrant floral bouquet with boysenberry and kirsch dominating the air space. Great concentration of fruit, a freshness that stands out with primary plum and ripe, off-dry blackcurrant flavors. Packed with intensity, in a youthful, fruit forward, muscular frame. The medium-body of this Dow belies the density that gives it a more massive feeling. At the same time it can seem light and glides effortlessly across the palate. The persistence of the layered finish is a significant strength. Drink now with a long decant time, or cellar for up to another quarter century. 93 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Many notes. After bottling, vigorous, plenty of ‘grip”; two years later still purple, with spicy fruit lurking beneath the brandy; intense, powerful. In 1990 I noted the leaness and acidity - its vibrant nervous system. By the mid-1990s, surprising sweetness, attractive fruit, elegance, soft, figgy nose, good texture. Most recently I recorded a dry finish but perfect ripeness. **** International Wine Challenge 2009: A spicy eucalyptus nose, with black cherry peppery fruit, long firm finish. Dry and complex, with a long life ahead. Score: Gold Medal

FTLP: Bright medium ruby color with a pink rim. This was one of the very best Ports we had at this particular tasting and for my money, the Port of the night. Stunningly complex spiced aromas of plum, clove, cocoa, anise, menthol and spearmint. Wow! Stacked with gobs of fresh, youthful brambly boysenberry and blueberry fruit, it is a mouth filling and full-bodied VP. Offering excellent overall balance, with tannins that are still ripe and powerful, yet smooth and well integrated. Dow has the best long term cellaring prospects of any 1991 we've had to this point. In my opinion, there's a solid 25-30 years of fine future consumption. 94 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Five consistently good notes.

First in 1993, very distinctive. Next at Dow vertical in Aspen in June 1994, then a very high mark at a Symington tasting that autumn and at the MW tasting in 1985. Initially an intense mulberry colour, still deep, velvety; powerful yet harmonious nose, rich, figgy; very sweet, crisp, good flesh and fruit. ****(*) SFE: Due to the summer heat, yields were well down on previous years. Consequently only a small quantity of Dow’s 1991 Vintage Port was bottled. The wine is in the great tradition of Dow’s Vintage Ports. It is very dark with very good colour colour, excellent balance of tannins and acidity and an exceptionally attractive and concentrated nose. This Vintage has structure and quality, placing it amongst the finest Vintages produced in the postwar years.

Clive Coates: Round, ripe, attractive nose. Nice and fresh. Good weight…Rich, composed and very elegant…it is very long and harmonious. Very classy. Score: 18/20 Serena Sutcliffe MW: Massive full bloom, full blown roses. Packed down berries. This sings. Winey, gummy and something else.

Intensity, deep violets. Lovely heart to it. Even a bit of coffee at the end. Another recent bottle had a really plummy nose. Very berryish. Very gummy intense taste. Concentrated with a huge heart to it. Roasted coffee and prunes at the end. Glycerol and structure.

together with the excellent ripe fruit characteristics ensure that this is one of the finest Vintage Ports produced during the last 20 to 30 years. Deep purple colour. On the nose rich and voluptuous fruit aromas of wild berries, roses and violets. On the palate intense fruit flavours and bitter chocolate, full bodied, with plenty of tannins and an excellent fruity aftertaste.

Dow’s 1994 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: I've had this early and often and have a special fondness for this particular Dow. It is one of the few Ports I've ever purchased in 375 ml, so I could check on it whilst young and not have to touch my cases of 750s. Dark and brooding scents of cassis, blackberry, fennel and earth. Reticent at first, I liked it a lot but can only imagine how much better it would have shown with another six hours in the decanter. Massively fruited with plum flavors and a minty-herbal character which I found exotic and refreshing. Sheer power structurally with a deep reservoir of acidity and brash, ripe tannins. Concentrated and full-throttle intensity combine to provide a lip smacking big-boned VP with extraordinary aging potential, a crazy long finish. This is a dangerously delicious Dow for the ages. 95 Points Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet colour. The nose is just beginning to evolve into musky, dried plum and raisin aromas with whiffs of tree bark, nutmeg, cumin and cloves. The palate is seriously big and voluptuous with medium to high acidity and a medium to firm level of fine tannins. Very long finish. 97 Points Richard Mayson: Deep, dark and still dumb. This probably needs another five years plus to open up. Opulent on the palate, characteristically sweet and succulent, fine and focused with broad, well-structured tannins on the finish. Will be very impressive to drink from 2016 onwards. 18.5/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: The Symingtons, at their tasting in March 1996, informed that they had started picking at Quinta do Bomfim on 16 September, which is pretty early, and that the wine had the ‘violets aroma of a great year’. It was certainly impressive, with a sort of waxy fruit, not at all spirity despite its youthfulness. More recently, still opaque; complete, opulent; laden with fruit and flesh, very dry finish. Very good future. *(****) SFE: The good colour extraction experienced during this vintage

Dow’s 1997 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $79.00 Pre Arrival Price $67.00 FTLP: The vast majority of this VP comes from grapes harvested at three Quintas used for Dow's: Zimbro, Senhora da Ribeira and Bomfim of course. Inky and opaque. Scented bouquet of fresh flowers, spice and an earthy note. Full and velvety to roll across the tongue. Rich and spicy on the palate with blackcurrant and dried prune flavors. This was not a pretty baby but is starting to show greatness at just under a dozen years old. This Dow is all about symmetry, from the structure to the complementary aromatic and flavor profiles. Texturally this is already very fine and will only continue to improve from here. There is intensity and power with tons of fruit and chewy tannins for long haul cellaring; plus a memorable finish. A classic Dow that should age well until the cows come home ... or circa 2040+ ... whichever comes first. 95 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: At their bicentenary tasting October 1998: black bramble colour; gorgeous, floral, very appealing, good fruit and grip - ‘possible vintage declaration’.

Showing well, classic, at the MW tasting. *(***) International Wine and Spirit Competition 2007: Rich, deep, bright purple. Nose still full of youth dominated by ripe berry fruit where cherry plays an important part. All backed by glorious floral tones with dark rose and violets. Massive mouth with huge, youthful flavours. The enormous seam of fruit spans the mouth with full tannic backing. At this stage the beautiful balance is overwhelmed by the fruit. Lifted by the spirit and well held by the

well judged oak. An enormous wine that will please the adventurous now but will more than repay many more years in the bottle. Gorgeous beauty. Score: Gold Medal SFE: The Dow’s 1997 Vintage is an outstanding wine, made slightly drier in the classic Dow tradition, which due to its superb structure will evolve into a classic vintage port. Very dark opaque purple colour, with a typically spicy nose and intense underlying aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants. On the palate enormous weight and structure with a marvellous balance of dense black fruit flavours wrapped in a tannic cloak.

Serena Sutcliffe MW: Lovely roses on the nose. Glorious fruit, opulence and softness on the palate. Coats the mouth with luscious fruit. Damsons finish. Oozes fruit and ripeness.

Dow’s 2000 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $79.00 Pre Arrival Price $67.00 FTLP: Dark reddish-purple color and full opacity. Grapes from Quinta do Bomfim were harvested in late September. Ripe plum and juicy blackberry fruit with hints of spice and cassis on the richly textured palate. The velvet glove may be missing here but certainly not the iron fist. The tannins take hold on the extremely long finish and they don't let go and yet this VP manages to show an appealing if not decadent mouthfeel. A very well constructed, full-bodied young Dow that will last for many decades. Should be right up there with the 1970 and 1977 ... and might just show them both up someday. 93 Points Robert Parker: An opaque blue/purple color (typical of this vintage's top offerings) is followed by a strikingly provocative aromatic display (flowers, licorice, blackberries, and cassis).

This firmly-structured, classic, tightly-knit, restrained port exhibits brilliant purity as well as impressive intensity. While not the most dramatic or flamboyant, it is a beautiful, classically structured port that will age gracefully. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. 94 Points

Decanter World Wine Awards 2012: Rated 5 Stars Score: 2012 Regional Trophy Vintage Port SFE: It had been some years since we had seen such tremendously concentrated and robust wines suited to long term ageing made at Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. Deep purple colour, so dark it’s almost blue/black. This is a wine of great vigour with excellent fruit aromas of plums and cassis. In the mouth, typically Dow flavours of liquorice and spices, as well as great depth and structure. It presents amazing ripe fruit flavours giving it marvellous complexity, finishing with firm bold tannin and a typical peppery dryness. A wine guaranteed to last and develop to maximum potential.

Dow’s 1999 Quinta do Bomfim Single Quinta Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $64.00 Pre Arrival Price $54.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $32.00 Pre Arrival Price $27.00 FTLP: Another first time experience with a 1999 Single Quinta Vintage Port, tasted at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival in a snapshot scenario. Bright ruby with slight bricking on the edge. Fragrant mint and briary blueberry and dark cherry aromas are vibrant with a high-toned note early on.

Medium-bodied and concentrated berry fruit and a figgy, blackcurrant and prune essence underscored by loads of chocolate on the back end. Grippy tannins are firm and domineering. Lots going on here and it all ends with a smooth and gentle persistence that was rather impressive. This is still improving and it would have been interesting to spend more time with this SQVP, especially with substantial time in a decanter to soften the tannins. Drink now or in the next fifteen to twenty years as it will only get better from here. 90 Points Richard Mayson: Deep, youthful and demure on the nose, yet rich, fresh and vibrant on the palate, intense, seemingly quite sweet (for Dow), with layers of ripe tannin and a firm finish.

Only just ready to drink and will be good for another 15 years at least. 18/20

FTLP: This property was re-purchased by the Symington Family in 1998 on the 200th anniversary of Dow's establishment. It shows a fully opaque dark red color. Beguiling nose of red berry fruits and grenadine syrup, while delivering dark cherry and pomegranate flavors that are tart and rustic. There is a tad too much heat which blemished the modest length of the aftertaste and overall enjoyment. It was hard for me to decipher if this is due to the youth or not. 87 Points Joe Czerwinsky, Wine Enthusiast Magazine: This dense wine is packed with fruit. The blackberry and anise aromas give an impression of the wine’s impressive size that is confirmed on the palate. This seems sweeter than most vintages of Dow’s flagship wine, but the extra sugar is balanced by big tannins.

This is one Single-Quinta Port that doesn’t seem destined for early drinking. 92 Points SFE: Near opaque, blue/black colour. Huge concentration provides an aromatic explosion of violets and rockrose. This is a full-bodied wine bursting with rich plummy, cassis flavours. In the mouth, typical Dow peppery overtones and the classic drier edge. Temperature control during fermentation (robotic lagares), combined with the ripeness of the grapes gave an excellent structure and balance.

Dow’s 2001 Senhora de Ribeira Single Quinta Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $64.00 Pre Arrival Price $54.00

History The firm was founded in 1797 by Garret Gould, who left his native Ireland for Portugal and established a trading company with offices in both Lisbon and Porto. After the Peninsular wars the firm went into partnership with the prestigious banking and mercantile family of James Campbell & Co, and the Port shipper has been known as Gould Campbell ever since. The firm was acquired by the Symington family in 1970.

Quintas Gould Campbell is unusual in having no specific quintas associated with it. The Ports are blended from our winemaker's pick of the finest wines made from grapes sourced from local farmers in the area around Pinhão and the Rio Torto in the heart of the Douro winemaking region.

Flavour Profile In a discussion of the typical styles of each of the family brands Charles Symington, head winemaker, said that without the tie to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, Gould Campbell gives him the opportunity to “just have some fun making interesting, satisfying wines.” That said, Gould Campbell's Vintage Ports tend towards a very full bodied, rich style.

Wine Reputation Like Symington’s other small-production niche brands, Gould Campbell is often picked out as showing very well against the big names and providing excellent value for money. In his classic reference book on Port and The Douro, Richard Mayson wrote “In both 1985 and 1983, Gould Campbell produced two wines with more depth of flavour than many of its better-known peers.”

James Suckling makes a similar observation in his book on Vintage Port, saying “Gould Campbell Vintage Ports are very good indeed, and in vintages like 1983 and 1977 they can be outstanding. I have tasted these two Vintages in blind tastings against the best names in Port and they have easily held their own.”

Gould Campbell 1977 Vintage Port

Gould Campbell 1980 Vintage Port

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $295.00 Pre Arrival Price $250.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $125.00 Pre Arrival Price $105.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $65.00 Pre Arrival Price $55.00

FTLP: It wasn't all that obvious this was the "ringer" in the flight as the Ferreira's color fooled most of us. By contrast, the color of this GC was dark garnet, fully opaque and with no appearance of age on the meniscus. Seasoned scents of mocha, pine, cinnamon, raspberry and a whiff of spirit. A stunning VP barely entering its prime, this youthful Gould Campbell provides purity of grape, a mouth-coating richness and distinctive blackcurrant flavor. The tannins were lively, firm and chalky and the finish was exceptionally long, but hotter than I like. Otherwise, this would have deserved an excellent rating in the 95-96 range. One of the finest 1977 Vintage Ports produced. I've trouble understanding why this never received more respect from Port pundits. Drink anytime through 2030.

My favorite of flight #1. 94 Points Richard Mayson: Very good colour, still deep and youthful; dense on the nose, suggests that there may be more to give; still firm with lovely fleshy fruit and ripe, dusty tannic grip rising in the mouth, big, solid foursquare finish, quite dry in style but tight-knit and firm. A good 1977 with more to go at. 17/10 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Enormously impressive at two tastings in Nov 1979 and certainly one of my favourite ‘77s; very deep, red-black centre, purple rim. Despite appearance, a sweet, easy, attractive wine on nose and palate.

Not tasted again until 1990 in the Symington tasting room at Vila Nova de Gaia. Still notably deep, purple, intense; lowkeyed nose with a strange scent that reminded me of bacon rind. Very sweet, but lean with a dry finish. Only one bottle tasted since. Though still surprisingly youthful looking in its 20th year, less sweet and, I thought, lacking flesh. Still very deep with opaque core; muffled fruit, touch of honey; very sweet, attractive, piquant, dry finish. ****

FTLP: Garnet hue with ever so slight fading to a lighter colored pink on the edge. Decanted mid-day on Christmas Eve and consumed after dinner and again on Christmas afternoon.

Spicy notes of cinnamon, licorice and redcurrants with a touch of heat when first opened. This 1980 settled in beautifully and around nine hours after decanting we had our first pour. An offdry stylish Gould Campbell, rich and medium-full accented by spicy raspberry and cherry fruit, good acidity and fine ripe tannins providing beautiful symmetry. Now over 30 years old, this VP is approaching its peak window of drinkability, although it will certainly take another decade to reach a gentler plateau while still on the upswing with very lively tannins. In my opinion, it's one of the top four or five Ports of the 1980 vintage, ending with an elegant, persistent finish. 91 Points Richard Mayson: Very deep, opaque with a thin browning rim; not quite as open or as opulent as the QH, a touch of tar and heat; rich but rather soupy and lacking focus, full, sweet and round, dark chocolate depth and good grip, finishes with a punch. Quite powerful if ill defined. 16/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: First tasted in 1992; flavoury, good texture. Four recent notes. Showing pretty well as the big tasting in June and six months later. Virtually opaque, still a plummy immature purple; rich, figgy, harmonious nose; sweet, full of flavour and body, very rich, good fruit, fat for an ‘80, good length. ***

Gould Campbell 1983 Vintage Port

Gould Campbell 1985 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $95.00 Pre Arrival Price $82.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: Consumed with one of my local tasting groups. Extremely dark purplish-magenta. Inviting notes of mocha, boysenberry and lavender. For whatever reason, the 1983 Gould Campbell has always fallen below the radar of the critics. For years it sold for $29 a pop and around 1996 increased to $39, which was a big jump at the time. It is youthful, approachable and a stunning nearly 30 year old VP that is drinking like a teenager.

From the sublime silky-smooth texture, to the incredible balance and structure, this is a wonderful 1983 which I've always admired and bought lots of. Graham's garners all the press from this underrated vintage, but the GC deserves lots of praise too. The tannins are still quite frisky and the grip shows this is only about half way to the finish line. Big, ripe, sweet blackberry and boysenberry brambly flavors are sublime and still quite primary. The finish ... is a mistake in nomenclature. 93 Points

FTLP: This flight of 1985's is stacked with an all-star team; I hope to repeat it twenty years from now when it would be like drinking the best of 1966 VP's today. Medium dark ruby with a light red rim. Fresh and floral bouquet with grenadine and anise notes. Another in a long line of under-valued Gould Campbell Vintage Ports. Rich, sumptuous and warming, with flavors of raspberry, black licorice and toffee. Medium-full weight in a lighter outer shell. This is still extremely young and vibrant at this stage. The tannins are up for the challenge, gripping and powdery and this '85 has one crazy long finish.

94 Points

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: First noted in the Symington’s tasting room in May 1985. It was as opaque as the Warre and fatter than Fonseca and Graham. Certainly rich and impressive. A couple of month’s later, noted a meaty almost malty richness on the nose, coupled with brandy. Also showing well at the blind tasting at Christie’s; good grip, firm. In 1990, still impressively deep, immature; considerable depth of fruit; fairly sweet, flavoury, like a pretty child with an upturned nose. two very recent notes; less deep in colour; attractive nose and taste. Crisp. Dry finish. ***(*) James Suckling, Vintage Port: This is right up with the majorleague 1983s. It is extremely full and concentrated, with a massive fruit structure. Inky colour, very concentrated black currant nose, full-bodied, with tons of tannin, velvety fruit flavours and a closed finish. Truly excellent. 93 Points

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Loaded with tannin, July 1987. Very high marks at the June 1990 tasting; deep, rich, velvety; good nose that seemed to expand richly in the glass over three hours; sweet, full-bodied, lots of fruit, life-preserving tannin and good acidity. Confirmation in 1990. A lovely deep rich wine. ****

Gould Campbell 1994 Vintage Port

Gould Campbell 1997 Vintage Port

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $59.00 Pre Arrival Price $50.00

FTLP: Purplish-ruby color. A touch grapey with some lavender and violet scents. Soft and medium-bodied, with plum and boysenberry that lead to a fine finish. I don't detect much in the way of tannins but the acidity delivers. I'd wait another decade and then start drinking 'em. 91 Points SFE: Colour: Deep ruby colour. Nose: Intense and opulent ripe plummy fruit on the nose. Palate: Dark berry flavours with a hint of cool minty freshness. A full bodied and rich palate with excellent ripe tannins leading to a long and slightly dry lingering finish. This Vintage is beginning to show some of the wonderful characteristics of bottle matured wine. It can be drunk now but will repay a few more years in your cellar.

FTLP: no note Clive Coates: Fat, opulent and rich. Fullish. Very good grip.

Lovely ripe nutty, fruity flavours. Long. Fine finish. Very good indeed. From 2010. 17/20

Gould Campbell 2000 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $59.00 Pre Arrival Price $50.00 FTLP: Dark inky purple color. Nicely perfumed scents of violets, roses and black currants. A big, fruit packed and full-bodied wine that delivers that mouthful of grapey, plum and black berry fruit. The Gould is a well-balanced VP and exudes powerful tannic 'grip' and a symmetrical structure. Stylistically on the dryer side and has a long, ripe fruit finish. All facets here bode well for this wine to cellar favorably for decades. 92 Points Robert Parker: stunning offering, this is the finest port yet tasted from Gould Campbell. Its saturated purple color is accompanied by aromas of chocolate, blackberry liqueur, smoke, and white flowers. Packed and stacked, with moderate sweetness, high tannin, and a formidable, backstrapping intensity, this impeccably made, rich 2000 will drink well between 2010-2030. A sleeper! 92 Points Wine Spectator, James Suckling: Lots of licorice, berry and floral character in this young Vintage Port. Full-bodied, with lots of silky tannins and a long, ripe and sweet finish. A beauty. 92 Points

History In the late 18th century the Scottish Graham family were merchants with interests in both Portugal and India, “among the merchant princes of Great Britain” according to a contemporary historian. In 1820 the brothers William and John Graham established the firm W&J Graham’s in Porto with the intention of specialising in the production of the finest Port wines. Over the course of the 19th century their Ports achieved an extraordinary reputation for consistent quality, and in 1890 the firm made two substantial investments to ensure the continued success and quality of their wines: the purchase of Quinta dos Malvedos in the heart of the Douro wine growing region, and the building of the magnificent Lodge on a hill overlooking Porto and Gaia, where the wines are aged in perfect conditions.

In 1882 Andrew James Symington came to Porto to join the firm of W & J Graham’s, though on the general trading side. After a few years he left the firm and became involved with the Port trade through other ventures, notably his association with Warre & Co. In 1970 AJS’s grandsons purchased W & J Graham’s, ensuring the future of this renowned Port producer.

Quintas The Graham family were among the first English producers to purchase their own property in the Douro, Quinta dos Malvedos. This beautiful property is ideally situated in the heart of the region on the banks of the river with a southfacing aspect. In the 19th century the property was already known to produce fine wines, “considered to be of the very first quality, among the best in the Douro” according to the Viscount of Villa Maior in his survey of the Douro region.

Graham’s were also very astute in identifying and nurturing relationships with other producers, ensuring the supply of top quality wines every year, and establishing the basis for the extraordinarily consistent quality of their Vintage Ports. Henry Vizatelly, writing about the Douro in 1877, mentions “several quintas adjoining each other, all of which yield high-class growths, purchased for many years past by Messrs W and J Graham, of Oporto.” The Symington family have continued this tradition, working with many of the same families and properties that have supplied Graham’s for generations. One example of this is Quinta das Lages, in the Rio Torto Valley, which has been a key contributor to the Graham’s blend for 100 years or more.

In addition, the Symington family have acquired other quintas which are dedicated to supplying grapes for Graham’s, including Quinta do Vale de Malhadas in the Douro Superior just east of Quinta do Vesuvio, as well as Quinta do Tua and Quinta da Vila Velha which are situated just up and down river respectively of Quinta dos Malvedos.

Flavour Profile Graham’s Ports stand out for their intense, opulent, sweet style, with great concentration of rich fruit and floral aromas and flavours, and the backbone of tannins to ensure a long life in bottle.

The Wines Graham's declares a Vintage Port only in exceptional years, perhaps three times in a decade, and in the intervening years may produce a Quinta Vintage Ports from Quinta dos Malvedos or Quinta do Tua. These Quinta Vintage Ports are aged in our cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for 10 years or more after harvest, before being released to the market, ready for enjoyment.

Graham’s Vintage Ports are outstanding for their consistent quality and long life. James Suckling’s series of notes for old vintages tasted in 1990 confirm this – how many wines, after 40 or more years, are rated so highly and noted as “will improve with age” ?

1927: This is a classically structured wine with mountains of ripe fruit and an excellent balance of tannins… wonderfully rich finish.

(94/100) 1935: Incredible richness and wonderful finesses on the nose and palate… great balance. A joy to drink. (94/100) 1945: It is still very concentrated but extremely well balanced and mellow… will improve with age. (95/100) 1948: Great class and power … wonderful depth of racy fruit here. Good now but will improve. (95/100) Graham’s 2000 Vintage Port scored 98 out of 100 points with the Wine Spectator and was placed 9th in their “Top 100 Wines of the World.” James Suckling wrote of this wine:

Graham’s 1975 Vintage Port

Graham’s 1980 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $205.00 Pre Arrival Price $175.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $163.00 Pre Arrival Price $139.00

FTLP: No note

FTLP: 1980 is likely the most underrated of the vintages included in this tasting. I have always been a great fan of the Dow, Warre, Gould Campbell & Graham's Ports from this year.

The Symington family seemed to "own the vintage." Delicious, soft, classic Graham's style; it's still showing prominent tannins at 31 years of age. Sweet grenadine and ripe fig flavors along with eucalyptus, cocoa powder and a sublimely soft, smooth mouthfeel and persistent finish. 1980 was never considered a legendary vintage, but it just goes to show how soundly

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Impressively purple when young, but nearly 20 notes since 1983 indicate that it was probably at its best at 10-12 years of age. Yet, and yet, despite a loss of colour by the early 1990s, I found it a consistently pleasing drink. Rather strangely scented magnum noted in 1994. Most recently, a mature, fragrant, ‘perfectly developed’ bottle. One of the best of all the 1975s. ****

Graham's performs even in vintages that were not appreciated by the critics when young. 1980 Graham's will easily drink well for 15-20 more years from here. 92 Points Peter Symington: Despite its 26 years of age, this wine is notable for its deep and rich ruby colour. Tight penetrating aromas of wild fruits and floral hints. On the palate full-bodied, and with an excellent tannic structure. A rich and beautifully balanced wine with a long future ahead of it.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Over a dozen admiring notes. Deep and intense in the mid - to late 1980s, a touch of hardness, spicy. Four notes in the mid 1990s. Still plummily deep; good rich fig-like fruit; distinctly sweet, as one expects from Graham. Good length, somewhat tannic. More recently, nose of glorious richness; powerful, drinking well but time in hand. ***(*)

greater richness and gaining a chocolate nuance on the aftertaste. 94 Points Decanter Magazine: Lovely deep nose. Violet, floral. Fresh, dry finish, Excellent length and body. Very good, left for further ageing. Score: Decanter Awards 2006 Port Trophy and Gold Medal Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Eleven notes. Black velvet in 1983 and 1986., fine wine, great length. In the early 1990s still impressively deep; rather muted nose, not unlike the ‘80. rich, lean yet with good flesh. Distinctly, and typically, sweeter than its ‘cousins’ Dow and Warre at the valuable Symington tasting in 1994. A year later, still deep and intense; black cherry with purple rim; ‘very Graham’ nose, citrus-like fruit, attractive, still tannic. A very good ‘83. ****

Graham’s 1983 Vintage Port

Graham’s 1991 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $182.00 Pre Arrival Price $155.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $142.00 Pre Arrival Price $121.00

FTLP: Decanted for 8 hours which was just right. This was a near perfect bottle of the '83 Graham's, which has always been a standout from a vintage which has few standard bearers. On sheer looks alone our Port savvy guests guessed this VP was from either the 2000 or 2003 vintage. Revealing a pure essence of crushed grape and spiced with pungent black pepper and cocoa powder. Full-bodied, there are gorgeous layers of dark cherry and sweet plum fruit with outstanding concentration and a seductively smooth texture. Both the acidity and tannins are brilliant and provide great harmony, while the finish is absolutely fabulous. At almost thirty years of age, this is still relatively young and shows no immediate signs of tiring and has yet to reach peak. I believe it will be at its best in another fifteen to twenty years depending on how the bottles have been stored; nonetheless, it is ultimately enjoyable to drink today. A perennial overachiever, that's actually an underappreciated Vintage Port which can still be found reasonably priced. It is definitely one to seek out if you don't already own some. Make sure this gets enough air time, as the nose starts off a bit spirity and that blows off after a few hours in decanter. It was even better the 2nd night, having added

FTLP: Lush blackberry was short of jammy in its briary sense, and it showed a distinct tobacco and chocolate nuance as well.

Smooth, ripe and intense with powerful tannins that take hold of the sweet mid-palate, lead to a remarkably long chocolate laden finish. Enjoyable now but will reward cellaring over the next fifteen years. A very well made Guimaraens. 92 Points Robert Parker: Graham's 1991 Vintage Port gets my nod as the port of the vintage. While keeping in mind that Graham's aims for a sweeter-styled port, there is no doubting the opaque purple/black color, or the explosive nose of black fruits, licorice, spring flowers, and tar. Thick and full-bodied, with a satiny texture and a blockbuster, alcoholic finish, this is a top-notch vintage port. 94 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Outstanding in 1993. Then two good notes in the mis-1990s. Characteristically very sweet, very rich, full of fruit, complete, good length. ****

Grahams’s 1994 Vintage Port

Grahams’s 1997 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $330.00 Pre Arrival Price $280.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $165.00 Pre Arrival Price $140.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $330.00 Pre Arrival Price $280.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $165.00 Pre Arrival Price $140.00

FTLP: Vinous, extremely balanced and offering scents of red licorice and raspberry fruit with a mocha note. The 1994 offers focused and concentrated fruit that stands out in a crowd. The acidity and ripe, round tannins deliver deft balance. This is going to reward patience and although easy to sip now, Graham's '94 will evolve at a high level for another 5 decades and should be permitted to improve in bottle. It's a remarkable, classic Vintage Port. 95 Points

FTLP: Opaque cranberry color. Floral fragrances leap out of the glass, along with a purity of grape essence and hint of mint.

Medium-full body, with exceptional balance that is noted immediately upon the very first sip. The tell-tale Graham's sweetness is overt and pleasing here with vibrant acidity to hold its own. There was 40% Touriga Franca in this Port along with 25% Touriga Nacional, 23% mix of old vine field blend grapes and 12% Tinta Barroca. Smooth in the mouth with ripe, wild berry flavors and a pronounced fruit filled finish. This should easily make it to 35-40 years of age with no problem. A very solid Graham's. 94 Points

Robert Parker: In a port tasting, tasting Graham's is almost like tasting a big, rich, succulent Merlot after a group of blockbuster, tannic Cabernets. Sweeter and more obvious than many ports, the opaque purple-colored 1994 is fruity, powerful, and rich, with an addictive hedonistic quality. It will be ready to drink in 8-10 years and keep for up to 30. As always, this is a showy, flamboyant port that has the advantage of being slightly sweeter than other 1994s. A great Graham's. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2035. 96 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Wonderful wine, its richness masking its 20% brandy at the Symington tasting in April 1996.

I also noted an excellent ‘94 bottles in 1999 on a British Airways flight to New York in September 1999. Great wine.

*(****)

Robert Parker: Blackberries, licorice, and melted asphalt stand out in this full-bodied, beautifully made vintage port's moderately intense bouquet. It is not one of the great Graham's ports, and is less sweet than normal, but it is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and impressive. Anticipated maturity: 20042025. 93 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opaque; hefty, forthcoming aroma; rich, full flavoured, great length. Potentially a great classic. (*****)

Grahams’s 2000 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $330.00 Pre Arrival Price $280.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $165.00 Pre Arrival Price $140.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $85.00 Pre Arrival Price $72.00 FTLP: Went through a recent modernization and the Symington's have upgraded their fermenting tanks and put innovative robotic lagares into use for this vintage 60% of the grapes came from these lagares. They are the first Shippers to use them in production of a Vintage Porto after experimentation over the past several years. The grapes for the Graham blend were grown at Malvedos, Quinta do Vila Velha and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas for the 2000 VP. Dark purplish-black with fully opacity. Fine aromas of plum and dark cherry which translates to the sweet grapey palate with some ripe, jammy, dark berry fruit as well. Not a subtle VP by any means, with a focused, seamless structure and well-integrated round tannins.

Some hot spirity character on the otherwise smooth, sweet finish was the only blemish on this excellent wine. This is not atypical though for young Graham's and in vintages like 1985 this resolved in time, albeit that is not the case with the 1977. The Graham is certainly amongst the top wines of the vintage although it is my second favorite Symington Vintage Porto from 2000. 96 points Robert Parker: Grapy, unformed, black raspberry liqueur and licorice-infused cassis notes leap from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. Sweet, plush, rich, and accessible, it is a forward, lush, concentrated effort that should drink well for two decades. While not one of Graham's most profound ports, it should evolve rapidly, providing immense crowd appeal. 94 Points

Grahams’s 1999 Quinta dos Malvedos Single Quinta Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $82.00 Pre Arrival Price $70.00 FTLP: no note erobertparker.com, Neal Martin: The 1999 is a little alcoholic and hot on the nose and does not have the same delineation as the 2006, however, the palate is better. Full-bodied and very rich, it is furnished with quite thick, succulent tannins that combine beautifully with the veneer of rich creme de cassis and kirsch mingling with fresh dates. It is an opulent Quinta dos Malvedos that should mature with style over the next 20 or 30 years. Drink now-2035. 90 Points International Wine and Spirit Competition (2008): Deep purple core with wide, fading rim. Ripe plum dominates the nose with hints of prune and mint. Second wave of aromas brings chocolate, vanilla and some sweet oak. Full and soft in the mouth yet still bright acidity. Compact and intense with fruit flavours bursting to show themselves. Great structure and balance. Firm tannins and long, persistent finish. Loads of potential to develop. Score: Gold Medal The World of Fine Wine Issue 36, Richard Mayson: A year when it rained quite heavily during vintage; good, mid-deep colour, still nearly opaque; lovely open, floral fruit, with a touch of esteva (gum cistus), classic; sweet, minty ripeness, with a touch of dark chocolate at the core, already quite suave, with a peppery finish; not especially structured but lovely to drink now and over the next 10 years. 16 Points

Grahams’s 2002 Quinta dos Malvedos Single Quinta Vintage Port 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $44.00 Pre Arrival Price $37.50 FTLP: no note SFE: The Quinta do Malvedos 2002 Vintage has a deep ruby colour. On the nose displaying jammy blackberry and blueberry scents, combined with seductive floral hints. On the palate packed with solid, structured, rich and intense black fruit flavours, showing impressive intensity and sweetness leading to a very long lingering finish.

History Martinez was founded in 1790 by the Spaniard Sebastian Gonzalez Martinez, who, from his base in the City of London sold sherry, cigars and Port which was sourced from a number of producers and sold on to British merchants for bottling under their own names.

In 1822 he went into partnership with an Englishman, John Peter Gassiot, a Member of The Royal Society and amateur scientist. By the time Sebastian Martinez retired in 1849, the company had become the largest shipper of Port to the UK, with its own lodges in Oporto acquired in 1834.

In the early 20th century, at a time when many Port shippers were struggling, Martinez sold shares on the London Stock Exchange and became a public company. In the early 1960’s Martinez was purchased by British wine merchant John Harvey, who also rather ironically acquired Cockburn’s, at the time Martinez’s foremost rival.

In 2006 the firm was acquired by the Symington Family who have set out to revitalise the Martinez brand and reinforce its reputation for fine Vintage Ports.

Quintas Martinez has no historical association with any one quinta. Instead, the grapes are sourced mainly from the Pinhão and Rio Torto valleys, where many small farmers produce top quality fruit which they sell to the Symingtons.

Flavour Profile In a discussion of the typical styles of each of the family brands Charles Symington, head winemaker, said that without the tie to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, Martinez is an opportunity to “just have some fun making interesting, satisfying wines” from the grapes supplied to us by small producers.

The Wines In his landmark book on Port and The Douro Richard Mayson characterised Martinez Vintage Ports as “fine, middle-to-long distances Vintage Ports.” The 2007 Vintage, the first made by the Symingtons, has been well received by critics.

Martinez 1985 Vintage Port

Martinez 1987 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $72.00 Pre Arrival Price $62.00

FTLP: no note

FTLP: Martinez Gassiott & Co. (est. 1790). Dark garnet color with light ruby rim. Strange early on, with stewed plum, sundried tomato, a lactic note and some esteva. Was this oxidized or just a strange brew? The palate is better but shows some heat early on and in the finish as well. Rich in its medium weight, with a slightly granular texture, the flavors were enjoyable with mocha and kirsch in the primary role and some aguardente and bittersweet chocolate show up later after the swallow. Bold tannins emerged late and this has another decade of enjoyable drinking, but if this bottle is representative, I'd drink it sooner rather than later. It was an ex-cellars bottle that appeared to be in great condition, including the fill level and cork. 86 Points

Robert Parker: This house is rarely seen in the United States.

The 1985 has a deep, juicy fruitiness, excellent color, full body, and firm tannins in the finish. It is not as complex as some ports but offers robust, fruity drinking. 86 Points Vintage Port, James Suckling: A burly wine with muscles. Deep, dark ruby, with concentrated cherry aromas, full-bodied and tightly structured, with ripe tannins and rich cherry and earth flavours. Score: 89 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: When first tasted (July 1987) I noted it as having a very curious nose and flavour, with a dry, rather acidic finish. Three years later, the citrus twist of acidity still noticeable but otherwise rated very highly. Deep, rich, plummy colour; richness of fruit that so often calls to mind ripe figs; sweet, fullish body, hot fruity flavour. Most recently, better flavour than nose. ***

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opaque, intense; rather hard, oaky nose with fig-like fruit and rather high acidity; medium-sweet, medium-full body, lean, dry finish. **(*)

Martinez 1997 Vintage Port

Martinez 1999 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $145.00 Pre Arrival Price $125.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $72.00 Pre Arrival Price $62.00

FTLP: This was the 3rd VP in the lineup at Mike McCune's minivertical tasting of Quinta da Eira Velha. Decanted for ten hours.

Darker than the 1995 and lighter than the 1994. Black licorice stands out initially on the nose and is followed by some road tar, mocha and smoky plum notes. I liked this a lot as there was great purity of fruit that made this such fun to drink. Dry and feminine stylistically, the plum, prune and blueberry flavors are a real treat. The '97 provides the best overall balance of the three Eira Velha bottlings at hand with a fine core of acidity and gentle tannins. Its shortfall is the clipped finish and although there is a drop of heat, it is nowhere near as distracting as in either of the other bottlings. Drink now through 2022. 92 Points

FTLP: no note

Martinez 2000 Vintage Port

Martinez 2003 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: no note

FTLP: no note

Wine Spectator: Decadent and earthy, with ripe berry and tobacco character. Slightly nutty. Full-bodied and juicy, with medium sweetness and fleshy tannins. Slightly funky nose, but I like this wine. Best after 2010.

Wine Spectator, James Suckling: Grapey, with raisin and pepper undertones. Full bodied, with a solid core of fruit and refined tannins. Long and caressing. Medium sweet. A tight and well-toned young Vintage Port. Best after 2010. 2,000 cases made. 91 Points

History Founded in 1680 by Thomas Dawson, Quarles Harris is amongst the oldest Port shippers still in existence, and their shipment of 98 pipes of Port in 1689 is the oldest recorded shipment by a firm still trading today. In the late 18th century they had a solid reputation as a shipper of fine quality Port, and were the second largest shipper of the time. The firm continued to trade and remained in family hands until the 1920’s when the then owner, Reginald Quarles Harris, sold the firm to his cousin’s husband – Andrew James Symington. AJ, as he was known, revived the firm and established it once more as a maker of fine quality Ports.

Quintas Quarles Harris wines are blended from the winemaker’s pick of the best wines made from grapes bought in from small suppliers in the Rio Torto and Pinhão Valleys in the heart of the Douro region.

Flavour Profile In a discussion of the typical styles of each of the family brands Charles Symington, head winemaker, said that without the tie to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, Quarles Harris is an opportunity to “just have some fun making interesting, satisfying wines” from the grapes supplied to us by small producers. Quarles Harris’s flavour profile is a firm and slightly dry style.

The Wines In his book Vintage Port James Suckling advises that “ [Quarles Harris’s] Vintage Ports are extremely dependable in quality, however, and should not be missed” and calls the wines well-crafted, solid Vintage Ports.

Quarles Harris 1977 Vintage Port 1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $300.00 Pre Arrival Price $258.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: Medium dark eggplant color with light pink edge that fades to tawny. Aromatically there was great purity of grape along with mocha and rum soaked raisins. Very smooth and balanced with excellent acidity which really stood out on the first night, in a good way. The tannins were gentle and mostly resolved, but were still present and this may have some room for improvement. Viscous and off-dry, reaching peak at the latter part of this decade, but with the requisite stuffing to plateau for another ten years beyond that. Medium weight, scrumptious cherry and grape character, with emerging flavors of Christmas cake and some spirit along with modest complexity in the middle, but very tasty nonetheless, leading to a medium-long finish. This was by far the best bottle I've had of the 1977 Quarles Harris. My brother felt my score was on the stingy side and he is usually more conservative than me in his ratings. 92 Points SFE: Rich garnet colour. The wine has a magnificent bottle age bouquet and is exceptionally firm in the mouth. The tannins are beginning to soften but the excellent structure of the wine is immediately apparent on the palate. Excellent long finish.

Richard Mayson: Good mid-deep youthful colour; still quite tight knit on the nose with a character in between milk chocolate and dark chocolate, perhaps with more to give; sweet and peppery, spicy, quite dry but standing up well, attractive, fresh berry fruit character, minerally underneath slightly let down by a rather dry, austere finish. A good ‘77 but lacking length and breadth. 16/20

Quarles Harris 1980 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $59.00 Pre Arrival Price $50.00 FTLP: no note Richard Mayson: Very deep opaque black colour, in common with a number of the Symington ‘80s, thin browning rim; solid, rich plum and berry fruit, quite opulent in style on the nose; rich and fleshy, lovely, sweet voluptuous fruit backed by firm tannins, not big or long on the finish but well balanced. 17/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opening price £48 per case, F.O.B. At ten years of age plumy; sweet, slightly chocoolatey, figgy nose and taste. Fragrant. Most recently, surprisingly deep though mature; strange but attractive bouquet, crystallised violets; rich, but lean. Highish acidity. ***

Quarles Harris 1991 Vintage Port

Quarles Harris 1994 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $100.00 Pre Arrival Price $85.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: no note

FTLP: I just wrote down quick, mostly single word adjectives to describe this VP: floral, medium-bodied, vibrant, smooth, resolved tannins, soft, quite simple. I did note that the finish was the shortest of the flight. 89 Points

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Intense fruit, rich, piquant acidity in 1993 and very high marks at the MW tasting in 1995, svelte, lovely texture, citrus touch to end taste. More recently soft, agreeable but slightly less enthusiastic. ***

Richard Mayson: Good, deep centre, thin purple rim; still closed with underlying ripeness evident, showing off the heat of the year; soft, sweet and fleshy, just as you would expect from this vintage, rich plummy flavours with good breath and depth, ripe tannins to back it up, looking good now but would benefit from another five years in bottle. 16.5/20 SFE: Dark ruby colour. Vibrant aromas of predominantly red fruits, and with hints of cassis. Full bodied and with excellent ripe tannins, this is a wine with a long future ahead of it.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Surprisingly forthcoming yet unknit nose and loose-knit but delicious flavour in April 1996.

More recently, a convincing colour, a curiously hefty character; very sweet, plump, figgy, rich. ***(*)?

Quarles Harris 1997 Vintage Port

Quarles Harris 2000 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: I found it interesting when Peter Symington told us that all grapes were purchased for this VP. Opaque and a beautiful shade of crimson. A fresh nose of red currant, mint and pine.

Medium weight and yet very rich on the entry. Sweet, light and fun in a "not to be taken too seriously kind of way" from assessing the middle. Sweet, ripe black raspberry flavors are quite approachable due to the very round tannins. Drink at peak which should be around 20 years old. 91 Points

FTLP: Quarles Harris is a name that is not as well known as the other Ports produced by the Symingtons. Dark reddish-purple.

Focused aromas of violets and boysenberry. A medium-bodied smooth operator with well-focused fruit, and a supporting cast of characters including gentle tannins and a long, lush lingering finish. A bit simple at this point and probably best consumed early, while other Symington standouts like the Dow, Graham, and Vesuvio have the necessary time to mature. 90 Points

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Plummy, forthcoming at the MW tasting. Noted a distinctive, unusual nose and flavour, rich yet dry acidic finish. (***)?

Robert Parker: An elegant, dense purple-colored offering, this 2000 offers up sweet aromas of melted licorice intermixed with blackberries, black raspberries, and cassis. Soft, precocious, and pure, this medium-bodied, suave, graceful port should be approachable in 4-5 years and last until 2020. 90 Points

History Christopher Smith, Member of The British Parliament and Lord Mayor of London, founded a small company to ship Port from the Douro in 1784. The Woodhouse brothers joined in the early 19th century and the name Smith Woodhouse was established. By the end of the 19th century their Ports enjoyed a strong reputation. Like so many shippers, Smith Woodhouse fell on hard times in the aftermath of the Second World War, and the brand was sold to a London based wine importer, whilst the wines were shipped by W & J Graham’s. In 1970, when the Symington family bought Graham’s, they acquired Smith Woodhouse as well.

Quintas Quinta da Madalena in the Rio Torto is at the heart of the Smith Woodhouse ports, and since 2006 Quinta do Vale Coelho has also been an important part of the brand’s blends. The Rio Torto, which runs south from the Douro near Pinhão in the heart of the Douro region, has an extraordinary microclimate and has been known for the quality of its ports for as long as Port has been made. Quinta do Vale Coelho is located in the Douro Superior, upstream from Quinta do Vesuvio, on the north bank of the river.

Flavour Profile Smith Woodhouse Ports have outstanding length and structure and are drier than most. Its Vintage Ports show a characteristic opulent rich style, balanced by firm hard tannins. Ageing gives these wines an unmatched elegance.

Wine Reputation Smith Woodhouse declares a Vintage Port only in exceptional years, perhaps three times in a decade, and in the intervening years may produce a Quinta Vintage Port from Quinta da Madalena. As a rule, the Madalena Vintage Ports will be aged in our cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for 10 years or more after harvest before being released to the market, ready for enjoyment, although in 1995 the Madalena Vintage was so extraordinary it was released En Primeur.

As a niche brand with limited production Smith Woodhouse is perhaps not widely known to the general public, but among Port connoisseurs it is eagerly sought. In major blind tastings of all the Ports declared in Vintage years, critics consistently pick out the Smith Woodhouse as extraordinarily good and extraordinarily good value. Michael Broadbent gave Smith Woodhouse 1980 “My highest rating of the 14 '80s tasted blind at Christie's in June 1990. 5 Stars” and in 2000 wrote of the Smith Woodhouse 1994 “A complete, lovely wine. 5 Stars” In a 20 year retrospective tasting of all the 1977 Vintage Ports James Suckling rated the Smith Woodhouse 1977 at 99 out of 100 points, and called this Port “the greatest value in Vintage Port at the moment… and it’s an absolutely gorgeous Port to drink… In terms for sheer quality for money, it’s crazy not to buy some ’77 Smith Woodhouse…”

Smith Woodhouse 1980 Vintage Port

Smith Woodhouse 1985 Vintage Port

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $288.00 Pre Arrival Price $244.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $144.00 Pre Arrival Price $122.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $72.00 Pre Arrival Price $61.00

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: Inky magenta color, the nose presents chocolate covered strawberry and licorice aromas. This Smith Woodhouse is a big, fruit forward delicious VP with a great, youthful core of dark berry fruits and solid structural components for continued improvement in the cellar. The tannins are equal to the task and it provides a fine juicy aftertaste. 92 Points richard Mayson: Very good colour, dark, opaque centre, just starting to brown on the rim; lovely pure berry fruit aromas, still tight-knit with plenty more to go at; rich, dark chocolate intensity, firm, solid and tight-knit with a slightly rustic foursquare finish. [Voted best wine of the night]. 17/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opening price £48 F.O.B. My highest rating of the 14 ‘80s tasted blind at Christie’s in June 1990. Equally impressive at the line-up arranged by James Symington: notably deep, plummy, very forthcoming fruit on the nose, richness, almost malty; very sweet, full-bodied, lovely flavour, intensity and length. ****

FTLP: The 18th VP of the tasting and this has been amazing fun and an educational endurance test that I enjoy. Tawny appearance with red glints and a clear meniscus. Coffee and toffee are prevalent, with some cherry aromas. Did someone pull a fast one? It matters not what this looks like as it is drinking beautifully. The awe inspiring velvet-like texture of this wine had me questioning whether I was drinking a delicious young Colheita. But the flavor profile is far fresher and red fruits dominate with some licorice and caramel on the aftertaste. It is one of the more harmonious wines we've tasted this evening, with exquisite balance and focus and a neatly layered, lengthy finish. Drink now or through the end of the decade. After seeing that this was the Smith Woodhouse, I wondered if it had been over-decanted, as it is usually a massive, bright/primary VP. That said, it was still darn tasty and rather evolved tonight. 93 Points SFE: A rich Vintage characterised for its luscious fruit and round tannins. This wine has lovely violet aromas, showing plenty of grip and power.

International Wine Challenge 2003: This Smith Woodhouse ’85 still has plenty of life in it. It still has masses of ripe berries and ‘fruits confits’, as a French judge put it, as well as maturing caramel and burnt sugar flavours. It is stunningly complex and has huge length. Score: Gold Medal Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: In July 1987; stylish, nicely put together. Showing well at a blind tasting in 1990; fairly deep, youthful but at the point of departure; lovely rich nose yet still with hard-edged immaturity; sweet, medium-full body, good fruit. Now maturing, some colour loss, rich but unknit; lean, slightly ethereal, still tannic. **(*)

Smith Woodhouse 1991 Vintage Port

Smith Woodhouse 1994 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00

FTLP: no note Robert Parker: The 1991 is a supple, rich, forward-styled vintage port with moderately deep color, plenty of red and black fruits, a thick, chewy texture, light tannin, and an overall sense of suppleness without significant weight or muscle. It will be drinkable young and last for 20+ years. 88 Points SFE: Only a very small quantity is expected to be bottled owing to the scarcity of the component wines. Tasted fresh from cask after its second winter in wood the general comments on the wine were as follows: All the right fruit and tannin for a very fine young Vintage Port and a firmness of structure suitable to ensure a long life. Chocolate and ripe berry nose, the hallmarks of the classic Smith Woodhouse style. Reminiscent of the 1983's when they were first released.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Lean, shapely, showing well in 1993. Distinctive style, touch of grapiness noted in 1995.

Most recently, impressively deep, opaque core; nose opened up richly in glass; good fruit, touch of leanness, good grip. ***(*)

FTLP: Dark ruby color. The alcohol distracted me from appreciating the floral and red fruits aromatics here. Dry in profile with smooth raspberry and blueberry fruit and quite easy to approach and enjoy due to submissive tannins. Although attractive this is not a big wine but it is really well-balanced which brought up the scorecard. Drink now through 2025. 92 Points Robert Parker: An under-rated producer, Smith-Woodhouse has turned out a port with an impressively saturated dark ruby/purple color. This powerful port is moderately sweet, forward, rich, and full-bodied, with nicely integrated alcohol and tannin. While it is not one of the vintage's blockbusters, it should be ready to drink in 3-5 years and keep for 15-20. 90 Points Richard Mayson: Very good colour, thin purple rim, the darkest of the three ‘94s; dense, closed, underlying ripeness; big, rich and fleshy, quite dense and still a youngster, firm, ripe tannic superstructure followed by good length. Good now but better in five years. [Voted third best wine of the evening] 17.5/20 SFE: Excellent deep colour, with some evolution on the rim. Rich aromas of dark crushed berries, combined with floral hints.

Succulent and voluptuous palate dominated by lots of fruit, pepper and black cherry flavours. Elegant and harmonious finish. Good potential for additional ageing.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Noted at the same two tastings as Gould Campbell and Quarles Harris. Attractive colour; distinctive Pontefract cakes nose, more refined than Gould. A complete, lovely wine. ***(**)

Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage Port

Smith Woodhouse 2000 Vintage Port

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $59.00 Pre Arrival Price $50.00

1500ml MAGNUM Normal Price $230.00 Pre Arrival Price $196.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $115.00 Pre Arrival Price $98.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $59.00 Pre Arrival Price $50.00

FTLP: no note

FTLP: Vibrant dark purple color with violet edge. Ripe plum, cassis and herbal notes. Medium-bodied wine with abundant, soft sweet fruit. A gentle giant displaying raspberry, an interesting peach note and an almond nuance on the very lengthy finish. Smooth texture with relatively tight tannins that support the wealth of peripherals in this finely tuned VP from the Symingtons. Another excellent long term ager here. A very well made Smith Woodhouse that is even better than the 1977 and as good as their 1983 ... maybe better in time. 92 Points

SFE: The Smith Woodhouse 1997 Vintage is an outstanding wine, with a deep opaque purple colour. On the nose dense succulent fruit with distinctive flowery overtones. On the palate, powerful and concentrated, with a firm structure and fine tannins on the finish.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Top-class. Showing well at the MW tasting and then very high marks at Fells’ tasting.

Interesting nose, touch of tar and liquorice, whiff of honeycomb; lean yet fleshy, very good flavour and finish.

(****)

SFE: It is clear that the 2000 wines show great power; the colour is immense and the tannins are strong. The wine itself displays complex layers of ripe fruit that promise well for the future. It is clear that 2000 was one of the smallest vintages for many years, but the concentration of the wine is exceptional, a fitting with with which to mark the year. Deep dark ruby colour.

Wonderful lifted aromas of “esteva” and roses. Very mature fruit imparts raisin flavours and a thick cassis structure. Layers of ripe fruit promise well for the future.

Smith Woodhouse Quinta da Madalena Single Quinta 1996 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $55.00 Pre Arrival Price $47.00 FTLP: no note SFE: Excellent dark ruby colour, packed with black berry fruit aromas and floral hints such as mint. On the palate, fullbodied, classic black cherry flavours and balanced by fine and elegant tannins. With a long and lingering finish.

History This iconic Douro property is recorded as far back as 1565. In the early 19th century the quinta was acquired by António Bernard Ferreira, a well known Port grower and businessman, who began a programme of building and landscaping on an unprecedented scale. Old stone walled terraces were repaired and new ones created, bringing approximately 100 hectares under vine of the 325 (803 acre) hectare property. An adega was built to match the scale of the vineyards: whereas typical lagares (the stone tanks in which grapes are treaded by foot) hold about 12 pipes of port, the eight lagares at Vesuvio each hold 25 pipes of wine (14,000 litres) and require 50 people to tread the grapes.

Ultimately the property passed into the hands of António’s redoubtable daughter in law, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. She oversaw the building of the grand estate house and chapel, and thereafter frequently used Quinta do Vesuvio as her principal residence. It was Dona Antónia who bottled and sold the Vesuvio wines under their own name – which was an extraordinary practice in the 19th century – and brought the quinta and its wines into renown. She faced the devastation of phylloxera in the 1870’s, shifting to production of olives, almonds and oranges when the grape crops failed, and kept her labour force further employed with the construction of a 16 km stone wall to encircle the property. As phylloxera came under control, vineyards were replanted with grafted vines, and wine production resumed. Dona Antónia’s descendants continued production at Vesuvio, but blended or sold the wines to other shippers; although the Quinta remained a legend, the wines became less well known.

In 1989 the Symington family acquired the property with the intention to restore the quinta and its wines to their former glory. The house and adega were restored and a massive planting program undertaken which extended the area under vine to 136 hectares, as well as revitalising and re-planting selected existing vineyards. The decision was made to retain the tradition of treading by foot, and to make only Vintage Port – no other Port styles are made under the Quinta do Vesuvio name. If necessary, no Vintage Port will be made when the stringent quality criteria have not been met, as in 1993 and 2002 when weather conditions were a challenge.

The Quinta Quinta do Vesuvio is located in the Douro Superior, on the south bank of the river. Laid out over seven hills and seven valleys, the quinta rises from 130 metres at the river front to 530 metres. The extraordinary variety of terrain and microclimate in the Quinta allows us to produce a superb Vintage Port most years.

Flavour Profile Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Ports are very concentrated, powerful wines, showing ripe fruit flavours such as blueberry and blackcurrant.

The Wines In 1876 the Viscount of Villa Maior produced an authoritative survey of the Douro winemaking properties, and wrote of Vesuvio “All this wine is made scrupulously and to perfection…” The same is true again today. In a survey of the vintages from 1989 to 2005, Michael Schuster, writing in The World of Fine Wine magazine, concludes “Year in, year out, the quality remains remarkably consistent, but as with any fine Bordeaux château or Burgundy cru, the character of the year is reflected in the wine.”

emanate with time in glass. On the positive side again, the finish is quite long and smooth. I can't say I really liked it, but I found it very intriguing in a scientific sort of way and I would suggest that anybody in possession of the '89 bottling, drink up very soon. 86 Points Jancis Robinson: Very developed. Very rich and raisiny and satisfying, a little kick at the end. Pruney and utterly seductive…

Clever anyone who has this in their cellar. A bit dry, and a bit of dry curry spice, on the finish. 17.5/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Three notes; leaner than the ‘90 and ‘91 in 1994. Two years later, though still youthful in appearance, a marvellously forthcoming aroma, with full, figgy flavour to match. Most recently, less deep in colour; full, rich, very fleshy. ***(*)

Quinta do Vesuvio 1989 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: Vertically Speaking FTLP tasting at Vesuvio, group score = 86. This was kept in the Douro after the regulations changed in '86 and clearly has been affected by "Douro bake." This was the first vintage of Vesuvio (in modern times) and the same year that the Symington family bought Vesuvio. Less than a half kilo/vine or about 15 hectoliters per hectare provide a bit more insight, considering that 30-35 hl/ha is normal. Talk about stress! Anyway this rare bottle of '89 shows cranberry colored juice and a tawny rim, with a nose which tends to herbaceous, vitamin pill and sun-dried tomatoes. If the aromatics sound really unpleasant, they're not ... yet it's not all that inviting either.

This Vesuvio is mouth filling and full-bodied with generous fruit, but the downside is the roasted prune and raisin flavors that

Quinta do Vesuvio 1992 Vintage Port

Quinta do Vesuvio 1994 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $310.00 Pre Arrival Price $265.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $399.00 Pre Arrival Price $339.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $190.00 Pre Arrival Price $162.00

FTLP: Vertically Speaking FTLP tasting at Vesuvio, group score = 89.2. Opaque ruby color. The '92 conveys an enjoyable earthy nose with some spice, cocoa powder and red fruit aromas. The fruit is vibrant and ripe with some chewy raspberry and grenadine flavors and of the first four vintages; the most density is seen here. However, the tannins are a bit over the top in their aggressive astringency and take over the palate by storm.

Although there is plenty of bright fruit, I am concerned that the tannins will eventually wind up the dominant character in the blend. The finish goes down easy but is a bit clipped. Drink now through 2018. 88 Points

FTLP: Decanted for a full 9 hours, this was a serious Vintage Port that has continued to improve with each year it remains in bottle. It is a stellar, youthful Vesuvio and is certainly a legendin-the-making! Dark brambly blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit along with a smoky character and a decadent mocha quality. Pure, exotic and sumptuous, the textural pleasure is matched only by the length of the finish. Drink now or be patient as this Vesuvio is built for the long haul and will continue to improve another 40+ years. 95 Points

Wine Spectator, James Suckling: Shows a raisin and grape skin aroma. Full bodied and medium sweet, with astringent tannins.

Very young. Still tight and powerful; needs time to mellow. 92 Points Robert Parker: A supple, charming, dark ruby/purple-colored wine, Quinta do Vesuvio's 1992 Vintage Port offers excellent concentration, a velvety texture, not much weight or tannin, a precocious, penetrating fragrance, sweet fruit, medium to full body, and a gentle finish. It will drink well young and last for 20 years. 90 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Slight whiff of volatile acidity but sweet and soft despite life-supporting tannins in May 1993. Very highly rated at the Symington tasting in November 1994; opaque, full-bodied, lean and powerful. Much the same the following spring; very sweet, good flesh and length. ***(*)

SFE: Under 3,000 cases released, bottled at the Quinta.

Visitors to the historic Vesuvio lagares during the treading were impressed by the extraordinary floral fragrances of the fermenting musts. These superb bouquets were still very much in evidence when we tasted the Touriga Francesa and Tinta Barroca lots from the cask at Vesuvio in the spring of 1995 and again in the late summer. The final 1994 Vintage lot made up in the spring of 1996 combines this first class nose with the deep purple colour and firm structure which are the very definition of a great Vintage Port.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: 40% Touriga Francesa (10% other varieties), 20% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Barroca. First noted in April 1996; totally different in style to the main Symington brands, with its delicious, touch of uplifting citrus aromas; not as sweet, but glorious fruit. Still opaque; extraordinary, most distinctive, great potential. (*****)

Quinta do Vesuvio 1995 Vintage Port

Quinta do Vesuvio 1996 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $135.00 Pre Arrival Price $115.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $288.00 Pre Arrival Price $245.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $135.00 Pre Arrival Price $115.00

FTLP: Blackstrap and opaque VP that shows It's brute strength.

Not as opulent as the 1994, but one of the top wines of the '95 vintage. A bit of alcohol protruding on this wine, but it is more from the youth, then being disjointed. Dark sweet berry fruit that is full throttled and has the tannins to go for another 2 decades with no problem. A huge wine that will only improve from here, yet shows It's breeding even at this stage. Keep in the cellar for a decade and it will reward patience. 93 Points SFE: The wine is rich, dark and concentrated; it has aromas of violets and “esteva” (rock rose) and is very smooth and elegant on the palate. The 1995 Vesuvio will rank as one of the Quinta’s finest Vintages. All the wine made at Vesuvio was trodden by foot in the Quinta’s ancient lagares.

International Wine and Spirit Challenge 2007: Vibrant, bright purple hardly showing any age at all. Ripe figgy nose with hints of cherry and plum. Soft and supple on the palate with good spicy lift in the finish. Developing flavours even at this age with ever growing complexity. Wine of contrasting characters of maturity and youth. Fresh and lively yet super mellow characteristics as well. Delightful now yet lots still to show.

Score: Silver Medal Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: One youthful nose.

Distinctive and impressive. I wonder whether Ferreira ever regretted selling Vesuvio, one of the greatest Douro quintas, to the ubiquitous Symington family?. *(***)

FTLP: Others did not like this as much as me, but that's fine. It is one of the better Vintage Ports from 1996 and certainly in the top four. Dark ruby red color and it is just shy of opacity. The nose was different than previous bottles I've experienced, and in addition to some chocolate covered cherry notes, there was a delightful eucalyptus accent which although a bit high toned, added aromatic depth. The palate was full and rich but although it did not show up on the nose, the mid-section was well endowed with a spirituous characteristic which was not quite unpleasant, but certainly a distraction. Flavor wise, this was quite tasty with blackberry and currants, modestly tame tannins and a fruit filled finish of medium length. It should age nicely and drink at peak nearing 30 years of age. 92 Points Jancis Robinson: Putty/linseed on the nose and very sweet, round and rich. Flattering, lovely, smoky, exciting! Dense. Very, very good! Long, concentrated, explosive. 18.5/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Bottled April 1998. Rich but not very deep, unknit but very attractive; lovely fruit and flavour. (***)

Quinta do Vesuvio 2000 Vintage Port

Quinta do Vesuvio 2006 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $375.00 Pre Arrival Price $319.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $179.00 Pre Arrival Price $152.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $288.00 Pre Arrival Price $245.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $135.00 Pre Arrival Price $115.00

FTLP: This is my dark horse of the 2000 vintage and my favorite from the Symington stable to go the distance. This thoroughbred comes from grapes that were 100% foot trodden in lagar 50 people treading for 4 hour shifts which is not a surprise. 40% of the grape blend came from Touriga Francesa.

Quickly gaining on the other top Shippers, Vesuvio has made fantastic VPs in every major vintage of the past decade. The 2000 is a dark purplish-black with full opacity and ultra-ripe aromas of violets and blueberry preserves. Alluring sweet berry and jammy plum fruit that dominate the underlying ripe tannins which are anything but shy. This is one powerful beast with the structure to take it to the finish line. Outstanding palate crushing finish that keeps the fans applauding. Approximately 2,500 cases were produced. Will this surpass the phenomenon that was Vesuvio in 1994, only time will tell! 97 Points

FTLP: Cask Sample. Deep purple ink. Fantastically fresh and evocative nose of violets, herbs, eucalyptus and cassis. Initially medium in weight, at 13 hours this Vesuvio presented viscous and chewy boysenberry fruit that was ripe and sweet.

Approachable but refined for a youngster, with ample acidity and tannins that are most noticeable on the mid-palate, which is atypical for this Shipper. Although this specific Vintage Port was the first one that I ever tread on in lagar, therefore a memorable milestone, the score is solely indicative of the quality within this harmonious bottling. Impressive aftertaste of wild berry with a gentle youthful spirit. Vesuvio fans should line up early, as there are only 1,250 six packs produced and this is not going to be hard to sell. Drink anytime in the next 35+ years. 94 Points

International Wine Challenge 2009: Intense concentrated chocolate, black cherry, liquorice and damson nose. Complex, full intense fruit palate, with firm grippy tannins, good body, and a persistent finish with spices and pepper. Gold Medal Wine Spectator, James Suckling: Lovely nose of plums, chocolate and berries, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with super firm tannins and a tight tannin structure. Long and refined. It builds on your palate. 94 Points

Decanter: (2009) Still raw, but with lovely aromatic profile: flowers and berries. Very pure, fine, fresh berry fruit flavours, with firm tannic grip. Well balanced. 4 Stars Wine and Spirits Magazine: The steep, conical hill at Vesuvio grew a completely Douro and completely delicious wine in 2006. The fresh scent of cherries and the earthier mineral schist meld into an intoxicating fragrance that develops across the luscious exposition of the flavors. The structure is about sophistication rather than sheer power, firm yet supple and accessible. 94 Points The World of Fine Wine Issue 36, Richard Mayson: Deep and opaque in colour; very opulent and floral, with minty ripeness; overt and heady, reflecting the warmth and ripeness of the growing season; similarly sweet, rich, and opulent on the palate (3.7 degrees Baume) but backed by dense, gritty tannins that rise in the mouth, sweetness and opulence returning on the finish. Lovely silk-velvet texture and length. Drink 2020-40.

18/20

History The firm now known as Warre & Co existed as early as 1670, founded by Willliam Warre whose trading operations included the shipping of woollen goods from his native Somerset to the East Indies and Brazil. Wool was also the basis of trade with northern Portugal, in exchange for olive oil, fruit and wine, and so William Warre was trading actively through Porto and also Viana do Castelo, another great port at the mouth of the Minho river, to the north of Porto. Subsequently William Warre’s trading interests took him to India, and it was his grandson, also William Warre, who ultimately settled in Porto in 1729 and became a partner in the firm of Clark & Thornton which was focussed on the trading of wine from the Douro. In 1791 records show that 21 firms shipped just over 30,000 pipes of Port, of which Warre & Sons accounted for 2,937 pipes, almost 10% of the total.

The descendants of that Willliam Warre remained in Porto for two centuries, longer than any other English family of that era, and members of the family were well known for civic and military achievements as well as their standing and influence within the Port trade.

The firm was the first British Port company to be founded in Portugal, the first to buy land and build a lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia to age their wines in the temperate maritime climate at the mouth of the Douro, and the first to launch a branded Port - the famous Warrior reserve ruby, still produced over 250 years later.

In 1905 Andrew James Symington joined Warre & Co as a partner, and in 1912 formed a partnership with George Acheson Warre (then with Dow’s) to jointly manage the Douro vineyards for both Warre’s and Dow’s. The Warre family subsequently returned to England, where they managed sales and the London office of the firm, and ultimately the Symington family took full ownership of the firm in the 1960’s.

Quintas Warre’s flagship property, which sets the style of its Vintage Ports, is Quinta da Cavadinha. Located in the valley of the Pinhão river, just 4km north of the Douro and the town of Pinhão, this vineyard enjoys a predominantly south-easterly aspect, and rises from 150 to 320 metres. The lower vineyards nearest the river have a relatively gentle gradient and enjoy a concentration of heat created by and held within the narrow river gorge. The terrain then climbs very sharply, and the vineyards higher up enjoy a much cooler, airier microclimate. The blend of wines from the lower vineyard (tannic, concentrated, floral) and the upper vineyards (fresh, elegant, subtle) establish the unique flavour profile of Warre’s Vintage Ports. The property is an old and well known one, which has featured in both the poetry and prose of Miguel Torga, one of Portugal’s most well known 20th century writers.

Just above Cavadinha are two small vineyards privately owned by members of the Symington family, Quinta do Alvito and Quinta das Netas. At altitudes between 350 and 480 metres, these properties are considerably cooler than river front or lower altitude vineyards and their grapes contribute freshness, elegance and fine acidity to Warre’s blends.

In the Rio Torto Valley, south of Pinhão, Warre’s has Quinta do Retiro Antigo, with some of the most beautiful stone terraces in the region. This valley is renowned for the quality of its Ports, and this particular property has featured in both the original Douro Demarcation map of 1756 and Baron Forrester’s 19th century map of the region. The microclimate in this valley is very dry and as in the lower areas of Cavadinha, the narrow river valley concentrates the heat and ensures full ripening most years.

Since 2006 Quinta da Telhada in the Douro Superior has also contributed to the Warre’s blends. Situated on the north bank of the river, east of Senhora da Ribeira and Vesuvio, this incredibly remote vineyard is just 25 km from the border with Spain. It has a hot and dry climate, with an average rainfall just one third of Cavadinha’s. firm in the 1960’s.

Flavour Profile Warre’s Vintage Ports combine elegance, length and balance whilst still retaining the underlying rich opulence of great Vintage Port.

The Wines Warre's declares a Vintage Port only in exceptional years, perhaps three times in a decade, and in the intervening years may produce a Quinta Vintage Port from Quinta da Cavadinha. The Cavadinha Vintage Ports will be aged in our cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for 10 years or more after harvest before being released to the market, ready for enjoyment.

Warre’s Vintage Ports are among the greatest ever made, their late 19th and early 20th century wines establishing a reputation that has never faltered: 1870, 1887, 1896, 1904 and 1908 were all legends in their time, the 1963 is a benchmark, 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2007 all highly praised and rated by critics. The consistency of Warre’s quality is simply extraordinary.

Michael Broadbent in his book Vintage Wine, gave eight “5 star” ratings during the period 1945-2000: 1945, 1955, 1966, 1970, 1985, 1994, 1997, 2000. His notes for all the 20th century Vintages consistently remark on the elegance and balance of Warre’s.

1945 (5 Stars) …beautiful colour, lively, lovely gradation. Very forthcoming indeed fairly forceful nose, brandy evident. A powerful wine with cockle-warming alcohol, crisp, lovely texture and elegance - for me the hallmark of Warre. Absolutely glorious. Perfection.

Warre’s 1970 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $319.00 Pre Arrival Price $270.00 FTLP: Medium ruby color with a pink edge and slight bricking.

Expressive nose of pine, maple, cinnamon, herbs and pipe tobacco. Medium weight, warming spirit and red cherry fruit, spicy palate with an elaborate middle, good structure supported by fully resolved, chalky and round tannins. It is quite feminine for a 1970 and although it was not possible to decant this longer than it was, I have little doubt it would have showed less aggressive spirit and a longer finish with further aeration. Tinta Amarela added richness to the blend. There was a dollop of heat on the medium length finish. There's at least another decade of life ahead of this Warre's although it is about to enter its tertiary stage and is currently on a plateau. Drink now through 2022 to catch it before the fruit starts to fade into the tawny realm. 91 Points Richard Mayson: Good mid-deep, youthful hue, thin browning rim; touch of coffee, torrefaction on the nose; firm, tight-knit

and focused, fine and linear, bitter-sweet mid-palate, quite dry in style, almost austere, without much flesh on the bones, but in this case the bones are very elegant. Despite the lack of fruit this will make old bones! 17.5/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Well over two dozen, all complimentary. By 1990 pristine purple easing a little, and starting to mature; lovely fruit, fragrance and vinosity. One bottle in 1994 packing a punch, lacking Warre elegance, another, later ‘elegance’ reinstated. Later still the same year, at a big Symington tasting, firm flavour noted. Next year in Hong Kong, complete. And so forth. My notes range from mediumsweet to very sweet but, as so often, one’s perception depends on the context in which the wine is tasted and drunk. Let’s settle for sweet, full-bodied, rich, almost too rich, yet not overpowering, with the perfect weight and balance I expect from Warre at its best. *****

Warre’s 1977 Vintage Port MAGNUM Normal Price $419.00 Pre Arrival Price $355.00 FTLP: Magnum – I opened this bottle to share in celebrating FTLOP's 3rd anniversary with Stewart, Jody and Dorene ... but knew that Pedro Branco (owner of Quinta do Portal) would be having dinner at my place that night along with his US importer. A fine wine to end the evening with, although due to it being a Mag, we did not finish it. I gave Stewart some to take home and kept enough so that I had another impression the following day. Medium cranberry in color with a lighter ruby edge. By the time we had commenced consumption, the Warre's had sat in decanter for 11.5 hours. The nose evolved nicely over that time frame and I detected scents of mint, spirit and a touch of stalkiness. Taylor mentioned raspberries and yep, she was right on the money. Medium-bodied with a fine roasted coffee bean flavor along with raisins and raspberries and a gentle backdrop of heat which was rather mild but noticeable. It was showing its age but it was by no means over the hill, just a mature fun VP at this stage with life left ahead.

The tannins were fully resolved and the aftertaste lingered nicely. The following day, the texture had really settled down and it was silky smooth and really delightful but otherwise, this VP was pretty much unchanged. Drink now through 2015 for maximum pleasure. 92 Points

Wine Spectator, James Suckling: Deep garnet. Very pretty plum and berry aromas, with hints of honey and toffee. Turns to custard. Full-bodied, sweet and fresh. Firm tannins, with elegance and balance. Will age for a long time, but ready.

Generous, but subtle. 93 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opening price to the trade £40 per case F.O.B. or £43 in bond, London, 25 case minimum order. Discounts thereafter. Very deep, hard, tea-leaf in 1979.

Over 20 notes since showing a slow but gradual development.

Fragrant, tea-like bouquet evolving; rich, spicy, lovely by the end of the s. Consistently good through the 1990s including a well-nigh perfect bottle at a Symington tasting in 1994: typical Warre elegance, lissom and lovely. Then magnificent magnums, magnanimously donated by the Symingtons, at the Wine Trades’ Benevolent Banquet in 1996. ****

Warre’s 1980 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: As crazy as it seems, this was my 3rd time drinking a bottle of this in the last eight weeks. This just may have been the best of all, yet it was decanted perfectly four hours in advance of consumption. Garnet color with no signs of nearly 30 years of age. Bright and floral fragrances with just a touch of spirit, (this can show lots more than this did) and a red berry profile.

Smooth on the palate, a really super mouthfeel that the Atlanta group really enjoyed. This was like drinking a liquid cherry pie infused with milk chocolate but with the requisite acidity intact to keep it all from getting messy. A perfectly stored bottle and a long finish to match. Bottles of this ilk will reach 40-45 years of age. 92 Points World of Fine Wine, Andrew Jefford: A magnificently dark wine, with more saturated depth to it than many 82s and 83s…

Sweet, spicy, rich, broad, really decked out with good things. A sense of generous perfumed ripeness that is almost Rhône-like here: fat fruits, bay leaves, Christmas spices… Close texture and dense, good, taut, tight, lots of power still left in reserve, while the flavour spectrum is broadening out from the tight-knit fruits of youth to something much richer and spicier. No hurry to consume this hugely diverting and entertaining wine. The

fruit qualities are still very much the fresh plum and damson rather than anything more cooked or caramelly. 18/20 International Wine Challenge 2006: Very good colour, attractive good soft nose, toasty clove-like aroma. Good intensity, warm soft palate, balance finish in a soft way. Silver Medal Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Opening price £52 F.O.B. Strangely, not tasted until 1990; rich, plummy, a quick developer. At two Symington tastings in the mid-1990’s, alongside Dow and Graham, at the first I gave it higher marks, great length, super; a year later found it looser knit and prefered the Graham. ‘Best wine of the evening’, unsurprisingly, at a Distiller’s ladies banquet, and four interesting notes since.

Still very deep; fragrant; extraordinarily dense, figgy flavour and impressive, very dry finish. ****

Warre’s 1985 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: Very extracted dark burgundy color. Each time I get to try this particular Warre's VP, I see more to enjoy. Here the nose was really demonstrative with a black cherry, tea and gentle kiss of mint that was tantalizing playing off of the tea scent. Smooth and chewy with brash blackcurrant and fig flavors, this shows incredible youth for a Port approaching 25 years old. Still some tannins to reckon with, this appears headed for some solid drinking around 40 years of age, with bottles of this quality. 93 Points

Warre’s 1983 Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 FTLP: no note SFE: Lovely deep ruby colour. On the nose bursting with aromas of ripe red and black fruits combined with hints of “esteva”. On the palate very subtle and elegant fruit flavours, with excellent balance and freshness.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Eleven notes. The usual classic appearance in 198; opaque centre and violet rim. Very deep plummy purple by autumn 1986. In 1990 powerful yest restrained, almost chewable; sweet without being cloying, lovely flavour and texture, a bit lean but with characteristic Warre elegance and firm dry tannic finish. texture and harmony noted at the Dow, Graham, Warre tasting in 1994 and its smooth ‘elegance’ and flesh in 1996. Now medium-deep, mature, drinking well. An attractive ‘83. ****

Jancis Robinson: Very very dark. Sweet, spicy, liquorice nose.

Very broad start to the palate and then dried fruits on the finish.

Lots of firm tannins still. Still relatively embryonic. Heat on the finish. Lovely spice on the finish. Not the most stereotypically feminine Warre style of wine. Powerful finish. Almost brawny with some wild fruit and flower flavours on the nose. Still chewy.

18.5/20 Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Nine notes since April 1987. A touch of coffee on the nose (malt, meat, toffee all reflecting the almost unctuous richness of the vintage, as it is a thickness of colour). A dozen years later, still a fine deep red purple; extraordinary nose, whiff of wet oilskin, great vinosity, prunes, figs; sweet, fairly full-bodied, fleshy, elegant, beautifully balanced. ‘An archetypical Warre’. High marks at a extensive Symington tasting in London in 1994 and, the following year, drinking beautifully high above Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

A still youthfull, classic Warre at a Bar Bank/Christie’s dinner in Vienna 1999. Most recently, in very good vintage company, fairly intense; ‘classic’ nose again; lovely flavour and texture.

Very dry, fragrant finish. With Graham, my top ‘85. ****(*)

Warre’s 1991 Vintage Port

Warre’s 1994 Vintage Port

750ml Bottle Normal Price $125.00 Pre Arrival Price $105.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00

FTLP: I like this vintage and the Warre is certainly one that I always enjoy. Thank you James Symington for advising me to invest in 1991s, (the Dow and Graham are very fine too!).

Medium dark ruby. The nose closely mirrors the palate here, both offering sweet grenadine, tar, cedar and a charred note which I actually enjoyed. Sweet and delicious, the medium-body is supported by finely knit tannins and cleansing acidity. This is put together well and always delivers. There is still some good upside potential here and I'd drink it through 2028. 92 Points

FTLP: Simply put this is one of the truly great Warre's produced in modern times. It is essentially an exuberant, young and massively fruited wine and at the same time, so very approachable that it is easy to perceive this as elegant. Yet the underlying structural components are profound and this fine VP will drink well for another 3-4 decades. It just may be my all time favorite Port by this producer. Lush boysenberry fruit is packed tightly and although "concentrated" doesn't quite aptly express how vibrant and densely fruited this wine is, the seductive come hither nature along with the suave tannins provide for one delicious drink. If you don't own any yet, you really should seek out some of this fabulous juice. 95+ Points

Wine and Spirit Magazine: All the components are there for an exceptional Vintage Port. The colour is black, with a purple edge, and the aroma is of black fruit and chocolate. Velvety in texture, dense sweet fruit is heightened by balancing acidity.

Packed with flavour intensity, this Warre has excellent grip that carries through the long finish. A wine for the long term. 94 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: I like the style of Warre there is always a touch of elegance. Dense, silky tannic texture, long hot finish in 1993. Two notes in the mid-1990s. Lovely flavour, fruity, crisp. Good future. ***(*)

Robert Parker: One of the finest Warres I have ever tasted, this opaque purple-colored wine is made in a drier style (a la Dow), yet it is expressive, extremely full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and well-integrated alcohol and tannin. It possesses a great mid-palate as well as impressive length. Tasters should take note of the wealth of peppery, licorice-scented and flavored raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Look for it to be ready to drink in 10-12 years, and keep for 30+. This is a profound example of Warre vintage port. 94 Points Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Said to have a ‘typical cistus nose’ ie resinous. Anyway, the most intensely dark of all the Symington ‘94s. Very sweet, lovely flavour, perfect balance, good length. Great future. (*****)

Warre’s 1997 Vintage Port

Warre’s 2000 Vintage Port

MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $79.00 Pre Arrival Price $67.00

MAGNUM Normal Price $315.00 Pre Arrival Price $269.00 750ml Bottle Normal Price $150.00 Pre Arrival Price $129.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $79.00 Pre Arrival Price $67.00

FTLP: Decanted for 14 hours. Dark garnet and fully opaque with aromatics of mocha, blackberry and espresso bean which became more profound in the glass. Smooth and mediumbodied with ripe blackcurrant flavor this is still quite primary and showing so young at the moment. The tannins are soft and for an 11 year old, this is an expressive and approachable VP, but shows enough grip to carry on for another 15-20 years. A long and sexy finish with waves of chocolate added to the enjoyment. Consumed with friends at Scalino's Restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 92 Points

FTLP: Quinta da Cavadinha may win the prize for having the lowest yields of any property in the Douro during 2000's harvest. Cavadinha is the backbone of the Warre Vintage Ports and at one time sold grapes for blending into Fonseca VPs. I am a fan of the Warre style for early consumption although their 1977 is a beauty today at 25 years old. The grapes for the 2000 were picked rather late and were very concentrated. Dark purple in color with full opacity. Aromas of violets and ripe sweet cherries, full-bodied, with juicy black cherry and ripe raspberry fruit. Elegant and balanced, deceptively soft fruit with mostly chewy tannins that come alive on Ware's long and luxurious finish. 92 Points

SFE: Wonderful purple blue colour. A classic Warre nose full of class and complexity, packed with concentrated layers of ripe red fruits and underlying gum cistus aromas. On the palate, ripe blackcurrant berry flavours, firm and well-balanced tannins given by the concentration of the old vines at Cavadinha, which form the backbone of Warre. enormous mid-palate structure and impressive length. Undoubtedly a wine for long ageing and a classic amongst Vintages. The Warre 1997 displays aspects of "a cooler climate wine", leading to more aromatic and elegant wine. Wonderful purple blue colour. A classic Warre nose full of class and complexity, packed with concentrated layers of ripe red fruits and underlying gum cistus aromas. On the palate rich floral flavours, enormous midpalate structure, and impressive length. Undoubtedly a wine for long ageing and a classic amongst Vintages.

Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wine: Richly scented; elegant, excellent finish. (*****)

SFE: Very dark inky and concentrated colour. Lovely fresh aromas of violets. Layer and layer of ripe blackberry fruit, intensely rich and full bodied. Sweetness and tannins bind this wine together to form a perfect harmonious structure.

Warre’s 1996 Quinta da Cavadinha Single Quinta Vintage Port 750ml Bottle Normal Price $64.00 Pre Arrival Price $54.00 375ml Half Bottle Normal Price $32.00 Pre Arrival Price $27.00 FTLP: no note Richard Mayson: Mid-deep maturing colour; evolved, truffley and slightly soupy on the nose (lacking definition); rich soft and quite loose-knit in style, especially alongside the 1998s, quite big and round, fully ready to drink and not a long-term keeper.

15.5/20 SFE: The Quinta da Cavadinha 1996 follows the classic Warre style, with very concentrated red and black fruit, with hints of Esteva. On the palate, a potent structure in harmony with the fruit, and with a long elegant finish. Warre’s Quinta da Cavadinha 1996 due to its great depth of structure will undoubtedly be a wine to age for many years.

6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Australia Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au email: sales@grandmillesime.com.au

VINTAGE PORT DIRECT FROM THE SYMINGTON FAMILY ESTATES Name........................................................................................................Date...........................

Delivery Address..........................................................................................................................

City/Town.........................................................State..............................Postcode.........................

Phone number.............................................Email address............................................................

Special Delivery Instructions.......................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................

All Price are Pre Arrival. 750ml bottles unless noted.

COCKBURN’S .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

2003 2000 2001 2004 2006

Quinta Quinta Quinta Quinta

dos dos dos dos

Canais Canais Canais Canais

$ 129.00 $ .................... $ 59.00 $ .................... $ 59.00 $ .................... $ 59.00 $ .................... $ 59.00 $ ....................

DOW’S .......... 1970 MAGNUM .......... 1975

$ 540.00 $ .................... $ 165.00 $ ....................

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1977 1985 1985 1991 1994 1994 1997 1997 1997 2000 2000 2000 1999 1999 2001

MILLENNIUM MAGNUM MAGNUM

MAGNUM MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle Quinta do Bomfim Quinta do Bomfim 375ml Half Bottle Senhora de Ribeira

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

410.00 260.00 129.00 102.00 269.00 129.00 269.00 129.00 67.00 269.00 129.00 67.00 54.00 27.00 54.00

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

GOULD CAMPBELL .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1977 1980 1980 1983 1985 1994 1994 1997 1997 2000 2000

MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle

MAGNUM

375ml Half Bottle 375ml Half Bottle

$ 250.00 $ .................... $ 105.00 $ .................... $ 55.00 $ .................... $ 82.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 196.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 50.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 50.00 $ ....................

GRAHAM’S .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1975 1980 1983 1991 1994 1994 1997 1997 2000 2000 2000 1999 2002

MAGNUM

MAGNUM MAGNUM MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle Quinta dos Malvedos Quinta dos Malvedos 375ml Half Bottle

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

175.00 139.00 155.00 121.00 280.00 140.00 280.00 140.00 280.00 140.00 72.00 70.00 37.50

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

MARTINEZ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1985 1987 1997 1999 MAGNUM 1999 2000 MAGNUM

$ 98.00 $ .................... $ 62.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 125.00 $ .................... $ 62.00 $ .................... $ 196.00 $ ....................

.......... 2000 .......... 2003 MAGNUM .......... 2003

$ 98.00 $ .................... $ 196.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ ....................

QUARLES HARRIS .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1977 MAGNUM 1977 1980 1980 375ml Half Bottle 1991 1994 1997 2000

$ 258.00 $ .................... $ 129.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 50.00 $ .................... $ 85.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ .................... $ 98.00 $ ....................

SMITH WOODHOUSE .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1980 1980 1980 1985 1991 1994 1994 1997 1997 1997 2000 2000 2000 1996

MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle

MAGNUM MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle Quinta da Madalena

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

244.00 122.00 61.00 98.00 98.00 196.00 98.00 196.00 98.00 50.00 196.00 98.00 50.00 47.00

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

129.00 265.00 129.00 339.00 162.00 115.00 245.00 115.00 319.00 152.00 245.00 115.00

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

$ $ $ $ $ $

270.00 355.00 129.00 129.00 129.00 105.00

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

QUINTA DO VESUVIO .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1989 1992 1992 1994 1994 1995 1996 1996 2000 2000 2006 2006

MAGNUM MAGNUM

MAGNUM MAGNUM MAGNUM

WARRE’S .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1970 1977 MAGNUM 1980 1983 1985 1991

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

1994 1997 1997 1997 2000 2000 2000 1996 1996

MAGNUM MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle MAGNUM 375ml Half Bottle Quinta da Cavadinha Quinta da Cavadinha 375ml Half Bottle

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

269.00 269.00 129.00 67.00 269.00 129.00 67.00 54.00 27.00

$ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ .................... $ ....................

SUBTOTAL $ ....................

Free shipping for 12x750ml bottles of more. Please consult our website for shipping charges for part cases.

SHIPPING

$ ....................

TOTAL

$ ....................

Method of Payment. We accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, Amex (2% surcharge), Cheque or Direct Deposit.

Bank account details: Grand Millesime Pty Ltd Bank: Westpac Account number: 298165 BSB: 033003 For payment by Credit Card: Name on Card...............................................Expiry Date.........../............CCV.............

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Signature .....................................................................................

Grand Millesime Pty Ltd 6/40 Batman Street West Melbourne Vic 3003 Callers by appointment.

Phone: (03) 9326 5737 Fax: (03) 9326 6744 www.grandmillesime.com.au sales@grandmillesime.com.au