DOW'S AND GRAHAM'S VINTAGE PORTS

DOURO, PORTUGAL 2017

Over the last decade, the global demand for Port has seen exponential growth. Long a stronghold in European and US markets, new emerging markets such as Brazil, coupled with the ever-increasing demand from Asia has driven this change. Since the release of the 2011s, Vintage Port has entered a new era and has been a sell-out affair ever since. Simply put, there’s just not enough Port to satiate the masses. Furthermore, the rarity of two Vintage declarations in a row (you have to go back to 1934/35 for some houses and for others, not since 1846/47) is driving greater and greater demand for the 2017 release. As such, we predict these will sell out quickly. A word of advice for the collectors and aficionados out there - stock up while you can. But don’t just take my word for it – what are the critics saying? “Quite rightly, those that splashed out on 2016 will want to know why they should open their wallets again. Well, the answer is clear when you taste them: whereas the leitmotifs of 2016 are elegance and finesse, 2017 is more about structure and intensity. The 2017s are more hedonistic than their 2016 counterparts and yet the startling aspect of these Ports is their freshness” (Neal Martin, Vinous). With this recently released magnificent vintage, we’ve selected some of the best representations of the 2017 vintage to offer to you over the next few weeks. Highly acclaimed by some of the most respected critics in the business, these wines have the points to match – with many ranging from 98 to 100 points. For wines that will gracefully age for another 40 years, this is a powerhouse vintage you don’t want to miss.
 

First up on the docket are two magnificent Ports from Symington Family Estates: Dow’s and Graham’s. Dow’s Vintage Ports are among the longest-lived ports that boast an impressive structure and powerful backbone. Based on fruit from the south-facing Quinta do Bomfirm in the Cima Corgo and Quinta Senhora da Ribeira in the Douro Superior, 80% of the blend is comprised of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Lying just below what some consider the most sought-after Vintage Ports, market price is kept at a moderate level and thus, the sheer value for the money is something worth considering and absolutely worth taking advantage of. The second world-class Port we are releasing today is from Graham’s whose Ports are the epitome of richness and concentration. The crown jewel of the Symington stable, their ultra-premium quality and potential for long-term aging makes them some of the top ports on the market. Much of the Vintage Port comes from Quinta dos Malvedos which produces Ports with opulent, blackberry fruit that is backed by super expressive aromatics and rich, voluptuous and velvety tannins. Their 2017 ‘Stone Terraces’ marks the fourth release of this wine from the east and north-east facing terraces at Quinta dos Malvedos. Garnering 100 points, “it has succulent berry fruit and massive concentration in the mouth - magnificent, the quintessence of the finest Douro fruit” (Richard Mayson, Decanter). As the new era of Port is just beginning, prices will no doubt increase with quality and demand. Alluded to being the modern version of the highly acclaimed 1945 vintage, we suggest securing your 2017 orders quickly and keeping your eyes peeled for more releases in the upcoming weeks!