Vintage Port Generally Declared Vintages / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2011 / 2015

Transcription

1 Vintage Port Generally Declared Vintages / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2011 / 2015 By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 5/24/2017 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 01, 2012 PORT Tasting notes from the following vintages: Contents Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 PORT August 01, 2012 Port Generally Declared Vintages / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2011 / 2015 See place and date of tasting in italics 2015 The water reserves were replenished at the end of 2014 crucial as the winter, spring and summer that followed were very dry, the cold weather in the winter helping to conserve water no evaporation. The period from bud-break to veraison (March July) was the hottest and driest for the last 36 years, the hottest June of the last half-century. Welcome rain came to the rescue in the Douro Superior in May, the rain even and absorbed. July continued hot with the weather in August cooler both day and night and this helped to offset the dryness holding dehydration and the raisin effect at bay (just). In September, just before the harvest, the grapes were looking in fine condition the berries and bunches small and very healthy. A good barometer to a vintage is the condition of the Touriga Franca and this was near perfect. There was a tentative start to the vintage on 8 th September but stress was beginning to show and a decision was taken to wait a little longer. Patience was rewarded with rain on15th and 16 th September, the skies clearing after the rain. Picking resumed on the 21 st September the grapes in excellent condition the skins having softened and flavours developed. The end result was low yields, wines with quality, richness yet finesse. Cockburn s Bicentenary Tasted at the Symington 2015 Port tasting May 2017 Spring violets the nose has freshness fragrance the start of the palate bramble and bilberry. Rich in the middle the fruit is ripe the palate velvet smooth fleshy and supple with at the back fresh fruits giving a lighter feel the finish has purity and elegance. Croft Quinta da Roeda Tasted in Lilley May 2017 Both nose and the start of the palate are fresh a mix of bramble and red fruits a hint of spice. Under the freshness on the mid palate there is the richness of ripe black cherry more depth of flavour the sweetness underpinned by tannin all a bit tight and although there is a more generousoty at the back the finish is firm lacking a bit of depth. Fonseca Guimaraens Tasted in Lilley May 2017 The fruit on the nose is sweet and ripe the palate has depth a rich mix of black fruits. There is mid generosity supple and smooth the chocolate richness well balanced by underlying freshness 3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 01, 2012 PORT a complex mix of bilberry and cassis. Ripe fruit gives richness and power on the back palate yet there is enough freshness to give a stylish elegance on the finish. Graham s The Stone Terraces Tasted at the Symington 2015 Port tasting May 2017 Fragrant the nose has fresh bramble and bilberry the start of the palate quite light and refined. Depth of fruit in the middle the rich sweet black fruits backed by liquorice the concentrated fruit underpinned by exotic spices lighter at the back understated the finish has concentration yet finesse. Dow s Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Tasted at the Symington 2015 Port tasting May 2017 The nose is dominated by red fruits the palate muscular fresh in the middle bright acidity. Expressive the fruit underpinned by mineral but at the back there is brooding richness depth of fruit. The finish is lighter fragrant stylish with red and blackcurrants. Taylor s Vargellas Tasted in Lilley May 2017 The nose has a complex mix of flavours the start of the palate bright with bramble and red fruits. Sweet in the middle a rich mix of black fruits and cocoa depth of flavour but there is balance underlying bramble lighter at the back with rich fruits and depth on the finish. Quinta do Vesuvio Tasted at the Symington 2015 Port tasting May 2017 The nose has brooding richness the start of the palate a powerful mix of black fruits. Sumptuous, rich and ripe, the mid palate is velvety supple richness and power yet at the back there is underlying freshness an attractive balance the finish has style and length The winter preceding the 2011 harvest was wetter and colder than the 30 year average and the budburst took place in mid March with the warm wet weather in April producing vigorous growth. The start of May saw the dry conditions set in with little rainfall in the eastern areas of the Douro until late August. The vines luckily were able to draw on the underground reserves that had built up in the winter. Through the summer the bunches developed under ideal conditions with Véraison occurring a little earlier than usual on the 15 th June. The heat wave in the second half of June was the only break in the mild weather during June and July. August was hot and dry with some rain on the 21 st August and 1 st September the timing could not have been better just right to round off an excellent near perfect ripening season. Harvesting started around the end of the second week of September and preceded under blue skies excellent conditions. Fermentations were long producing balanced wines with complete extraction with the musts having intensity of colour and depth of fruit. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 PORT August 01, 2012 The young wines have the feel of greatness it could turn out to be another 1963 perhaps a 1945 or Alves de Sousa The nose has an aromatic quality with red fruit freshness on the start of the palate. The mid palate is solid with some rich flavours yet towards the back the vibrancy and freshness lighten but bring out an aromatic spiciness. Barros The nose has a fragrant charm a bunch of violets but the palate is rich with the intensity of black cherry. Although the tannins are firm giving mid structure there is a lot of sweet blackberry jam on the back palate and this gives a fleshy richness on the finish. There is enough structure and intensity of flavour for long term development. Burmester The nose shows more red fruit than black quite delicate and fragrant but the palate is rich with depth of flavour lots of concentrated fruit. Towards the back it feels lighter with the exuberance and freshness of red fruits and a slightly resinous character coming through on the finish. Churchill s The nose is concentrated and the palate starts with a good depth of rich black fruit. The mid palate is sweet quite fleshy but behind the sweetness the tannins are firm and the acidity quite high. The finish has concentration firmness goodish length just a slight lack of elegance Cockburn s Tasted at the Factory House in Oporto at the Symington tasting September 2012 The nose is deep fruited rich profound full of generous flavours. Black plum and black cherry pack out the mid palate and although there is some red cherry freshness the finish is deep brooding full of power Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 The nose has a fragrant charm a mix of mountain flowers but behind all of the fragrances there is generosity of fruit. The black fruit richness on the start of the palate is underpinned by red cherries and wild strawberries giving a lovely vibrant character but the back palate and finish have richness, sweetness and concentration of flavour. Tasted at the Symington 2015 Port tasting May Spring violets the nose is fragrant with bramble and bilberry a hint of spice and mountain herbs the palate starts with rich ripe fruit supple and fleshy. The velvety mid richness is underpinned 5 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 01, 2012 PORT by fresh fruits bright at the back fragrance and style but it finishes with rich ripe fleshy concentrated black cherry. Croft The nose has the freshness and leanness of red fruits quite aromatic with hints of violets. The palate has the same freshness at the start but fills out with more of a black fruit mix backed by aromatic spices and pine needles. The black fruits that show on the finish give it depth and richness of flavour. Dalva The nose is very tight and the start of the palate light fresh with red fruits but not showing much richness. It fills out in the middle and these sweeter flavours carry on through mid and back palate but the finish lacks real richness depth and intensity. Dow s Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 The nose is firm quite austere with a mix of cassis and red cherry. The start of the palate feels fresh with more red fruits than black the fruit underpinned by fresh green figs. There are layers of flavour some bitter chocolate lots of complexity and depth rich cassis and black cherry at the back with a lovely long mineral driven finish. Ferreira There is a lovely aromatic mix on the nose spices and pepper heather and pine needles. The palate has depth of flavour richness in the middle with black fruits intermingling with the red then towards the back the freshness lifts the flavours bringing out the spices and a hint of iodine. Fonseca The nose is perfumed floral with violets and rock roses all backed by hints of pine needles and cedar wood. The palate has depth of flavour rich and succulent fruit lots of ripe sweet black fruits deep profound and brooding yet there is a lighter feel at the back an elegant charm and a lovely long flowing finish. Graham s Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 The nose is fragrant rockroses and violets but the palate is deep profound packed with brooding black fruits. The layers of fruit are underpinned by bitter chocolate lots of complexity with the Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 PORT August 01, 2012 richer black fruits backed by the freshness of red cherry and wild strawberries. Although the finish has depth richness there is elegance and style. Graham s Stone Terraces The nose has aromatic charm with lots of mint and wild violets. The palate is intense with a brooding depth meaty and powerful with mainly black fruits black cherry and blackcurrant. Although at the back there is an intensity of flavour the finish is long mineral fragrant with a flowing elegance. Kopke Both nose and palate are robust and intense yet the palate is sweeter fruited a touch and blackberry jam. The tannins are firm the mid palate structured and although there is a sweet feel at the back tannic firmness gives a slightly rustic quality. Niepoort Although the nose has a black fruited intensity there is an underlying aromatic spiciness. The palate starts fresh black fruited with bramble and bilberry but towards the back there is depth and richness lots of powerful flavours all supported by firm but ripe tannins. Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha The nose is a bit tight but there are fragrances beginning to show a mix of violets and rockroses. The start of the palate is fresh vibrant with grainy tannins but it fills out towards the back lots of power depth and richness of flavour. The finish has length, purity and freshness. Offley There is an aromatic quality to the nose pine forests and mountain flowers with on the palate lots of spice cloves and nutmeg. The mid palate is a bit light rather lacking in depth and intensity of flavour and although towards the back it is richer the tannins tend to hide some of the fruit. Quevedo The nose has lots of violets very floral but the palate is fleshy sweet with candied fruits and ripe figs. The jammy fleshy richness on the mid palate tends to be dominated by firm tannins and quite high acidity at the back and the finish has a leafy herbal quality. Quinta do Infantado Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 01, 2012 PORT Fragrant floral the nose has woodland violets the start of the palate a mix of bramble and bilberry. Rich and ripe in the middle fruity and supple the back palate has depth the finish fleshy richness. Quinta do Noval Tasted at the London International Wine Fair Excel May 2013 Fresh red fruits give a lovely brightness on the nose and although the start of the palate has the same freshness of flavour the mid palate is rich with ripe fruit lush and fleshy. There is a good mix of flavours red fruits and black fruits lots of complexity and the finish has power and depth yet fragrance. Quinta do Noval Nacional Tasted at the London International Wine Fair Excel May 2013 The nose is rich fleshy deep full of ripe fruit with a strong black fruited influence. The richness of the fruit fills out the palate sensuous, voluptuous and supple but towards the back it is lighter some bright red fruits bringing out the fragrances and giving a stylish elegance to the long finish. Quinta do Passadouro The red fruited freshness on the nose brings out a peppery spiciness and the start of the palate is very red fruit dominated. There is a richer feel in the middle more of a black fruit character but the mid generosity is overtaken by firm tannins that tend to hold back full fruit expression and dry the finish. Quinta de Roriz The nose has depth and richness of fruit some brooding black fruits and the palate starts with sweetness. Rich black plum and blackcurrant fill out the mid palate yet towards the back it is drier slightly peppery with hints of pine needles. The finish is bright vital with a lovely length of flavour. Quinta La Rosa The nose is red fruited but sweet with ripe strawberries and red cherry and although the palate starts sweet with a mid fleshiness there is an underlying freshness that comes through towards the back. The layers of flavour give complexity with the acidity bringing out an aromatic spiciness and give a lovely elegant feel on the finish. Quinta do Vale D. Maria Tasted in the Douro May 2012 This has all the makings of a vintage wine. The nose is floral, minty with lots of bramble fruit and the palate is deep fruited rich sweet sumptuous sensual with the layers of damson, bramble Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 PORT August 01, 2012 black cherry giving lots of complexity. There is an underlying freshness some red cherry but the finish has power and real depth of flavour There is a lot happening on the nose the floral minty fragrances underpinned by bramble and black cherries. The mid palate has generosity complexity with depth of ripe fruit giving it a fleshy richness and although there is concentrated power towards the back the finish has a flowing elegance. Quinta do Vale Meão The nose has freshness blackberry and some red cherry the mix of fruits overlaid by violets and rockroses. The mid palate is rich luscious with black plum then towards the back the voluptuous richness is balanced by red fruited freshness. The complex mix of fruits lingers on the finish. Quinta do Vesúvio The nose is fragrant heady with lots of floral fragrances yet the palate is rich deep brooding with a mass of black fruits. The mid velvet richness is backed by fresher fruits still very black fruited in character some bilberry and bramble and this freshness brings out a peppery spiciness on the back palate. The finish is long the flavours flow and linger. Quinta do Vesúvio Capella The nose has an intensity of fruit a mass of spicy blackberry and black cherry. The rich fruit is underpinned by coffee and chocolate lush sensuous and fleshy. Towards the back the peppery tannins support the complex mix with the freshness bringing out some spicy fragrances on the long finish. Ramos Pinto The nose is fragrant with lots of black fruits a lovely complexity. The ripeness of the fruit gives a sumptuous fleshy richness on the palate with lots of concentration on the mid palate. Towards the back it is slightly lighter although on the finish there is a good depth and richness of fruit. Rozes There is a complex mix of spring flowers on the nose with violets to the fore. The palate starts with richness of fruit deep and powerful but towards the back it is lighter with bilberry and bramble that refresh and give a less concentrated feel to the finish. Sandeman Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 01, 2012 PORT The mix of black fruits on the nose is fresh lively backed by hints of violets and pine needles. The start of the palate appears light but it fills out with rich blackcurrant and black cherry a fleshy middle. Towards the back red fruits are more to the fore wild cherry and wild strawberry and the finish has some peppery spice, a touch of nutmeg and cedar wood. Tasted at the Sign of the Don St Swithin s Lane April Fresh on the nose the palate is fleshy rich supple with ripe black fruits. The tannins are firm but fine the mid palate has black plum richness with lots of complexity layers of rich black fruits. The finish is slightly lighter more of a red cherry character with black pepper spice excitement. Smith Woodhouse There is an attractive smoky quality about the nose very black fruit in character with a touch of spice, hints of cedar wood and pine needles. The rich bramble fruit is backed by liquorice and bitter chocolate a lovely complex mix and although the tannins have grip they have a seamless quality with the black fruited mix lingering on the finish. Taylor s The nose is deep and brooding yet it has the fragrance of violets rockroses, cedar wood and a hint of nutmeg. There is an intensity of flavour about the palate black cherry mingles with blackcurrant rich deep sumptuous. The fleshy richness is supported by seamless sinewy tannins with the freshness of bilberry and bramble giving a slightly lighter feel at the back bringing out a mix of exotic perfumes. Warre s Tasted at the Fells tasting September 2013 The nose has a heady floral quality a flower bed of violets and rockroses with hints of spice a touch of cedar wood. The palate has the richness of black cherry and blackcurrant sumptuous sensuous with there is enough freshness to balance and give great finesse. The tannins give backbone yet are silky and the finish has a lovely mineral streak. Wine & Soul Pintas The nose is fruity with some attractive floral fragrances and the start of the palate has a nice depth of fruit. The freshness on the mid palate brings out a spicy quality a touch of cedar wood and nutmeg and then it fills out towards the back with black cherry and blackcurrant richness It is very unusual to have four declared vintages in a decade but it has happened with 2000, 2003, 2007 and now Although not all Houses have declared the wines from those that Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 PORT August 01, 2012 have are massive, concentrated built for the long haul. The summer was dry the production low all leading to richness and power. Cockburn s Quinta Dos Canais Tasted at the Factory House in Oporto at the Symington tasting September 2012 The nose is rich full of ripe black fruits with an attractive minty quality. The start of the palate is rich black fruited with lots of power but there are red fruits that come through in the middle refresh and bring out the minty fragrances. The finish is slightly lighter with an elegant charm Croft Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 It is very aromatic with eucalyptus and woodland flowers. The palate is rich and deep lots of black fruits but behind there is freshness hints of redcurrants and mulberries. The fruit at the back is ripe and sweet giving a fleshy finish. Dow s Quinta Senhora da Ribeira Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 Woodland violets are backed by eucalyptus all underpinned by spicy black pepper. The palate has a mix of flavours red fruits vying with black for dominance power and vigour all backed by ripe tannins. The richness of the fruit packs out the back palate. Fonseca Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 There are lots of attractive fragrances on the nose violets, lavender and eucalyptus lots of complexity. The palate has power and depth the black fruits backed by mint with the vibrant sinewy tannins giving structure and the velvety richness of blackberry jam and chocolate the flesh. It has power yet stylish elegance. Graham s Tasted at the LWF Kensington Olympia May 2015 The nose has a mix of fragrances but the palate is rich full of ripe fruit meaty with power and depth. There are fresh black fruits in the middle a hint of red fruits all underpinning but the finish is deep, concentrated with velvety richness ripe black fruits and bitter chocolate. Niepoort The nose is tight and the start of the palate seems quite light fragrant but lacking richness. It fills out towards the back with a mix of cassis and black cherry yet although there are concentrated flavours the finish lacks a bit of generosity and has a tannic firmness. Niepoort Bioma Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 01, 2012 PORT The black fruits on the nose have richness depth a brooding power. Black plum gives a fleshy sweetness at the start with black cherry firmness and then bilberry and elderberry freshness which gives a lighter elegant charm to the finish. Skeffington Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 Ripe black fruits give fleshy richness on the nose and jammy sweetness on the palate. The tannins are ripe giving an extra richness but towards the back there is some red fruit freshness that ensures a lighter feel on the finish. Taylor s Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 Although there is an explosive power on the nose the fragrances of violets do show through. The palate has a mass of rich fruit black fruits, eucalyptus, coffee and chocolate all backed by sinewy tannins. Blackberry jam gives richness and flesh towards the back but the finish has elegance and a touch of freshness. Quinta do Vale D. Maria Tasted in the Douro May 2012 There are lots of different fragrances on the nose violets and mountain flowers. The palate is rich deep profound packed with a complex mass of red fruits, red cherry and black fruits bramble jelly damsons and black cherries. The back palate is rich and sweet fruited with lots more to show. Quinta Do Vallado Tasted in the Douro May 2012 There is a minty quality to the black fruits on the nose. The palate has power depth richness lots of blackcurrant and bramble backed by the firmness of black cherry. The tannins are structured obvious but feel ripe and there is a lot of fruit to show on the back palate with time. Taylor s Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 The nose is deep brooding packed with a mix of black fruits yet the fragrances of mint, lavender and violets do show. The richness of the fruit packs out the palate blackcurrant jam, coffee and chocolate layers of flavour lots of complexity. The tannins feel ripe enriching yet there is enough freshness to give an elegant twist to the finish. Quinta do Vesúvio Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 Woodland violets, mint, lavender, eucalyptus all feature on the nose with behind the fragrant charm power and richness of fruit. The palate is complex black fruits enriched by coffee and dark chocolate all underpinned by vibrant sinewy tannins. The richness of the fruit packs out the back palate with the hints of freshness giving elegance to the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 PORT August 01, 2012 Warre s Tasted at the LWTF May 2011 The nose is a bit misleading as it is very fragrant with violets and lavender yet lurking behind is rich ripe powerful fruit. On the palate there is an explosion of fruits blackberry and sloe underpinned by black cherry. The tannins are powerful sinewy adding to the richness. The back palate has lots of vigour the fruits underpinned by cinnamon and gingerbread, power yet elegance The winter was cold and dry with the rains coming in April leading to outbreaks of mildew. The cool weather continued into May and even August had no blast of heat but cooling breezes from the Atlantic. It did warm up in September but ripening took a long time the harvest starting on the 23 rd September and lasting until mid October. Quinta do Noval Tasted in the Douro May 2012 The nose is deep and brooding packed with a mix of black fruits. The palate is sweet fleshy with the richness of black plum given a lighter feel by bramble and red cherry. Both back palate and finish have a fleshy ripe sweet power. It seems very forward quite suave and elegant which is misleading as there is a lot of hidden power. Quinta do Vesúvio Tasted in Lilley June 2010 This great Quinta once owned by the Ferreira family now by the Symingtons has done it again The nose is sensuously rich packed with damsons, black cherries and blackberries overlaid with woodland violets. There is a mass of fruit on the palate, layers of black fruits, a mixture of flavours. The voluptuous richness is balanced by freshness, bilberry and red cherry with towards the back hints of cinnamon spice. The richness is there at the back leaving the finish sumptuously fleshy The year has produced one of the most exciting vintages since the war. The wines are sleek and elegant, they lack the puppy fat of hotter years and they have polished precise tannins yet ones that have grip pointing to a long life. The fruit has real purity, richness and depth with an exciting complexity coming from the mix of red and black fruits. Many of the wines are silk gloves on first look but inside the glove is the iron fist ensuring long life. The year was not the easiest. A poor flowering reduced the potential volume and during the summer there were attacks of mildew in some vineyards that again reduced crop size. June and 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 01, 2012 PORT July were warm and sunny with occasional rain but it was August that was out of character, cooler than usual. It is, though, this out of character month that has produced the sleekness that is so exciting. September and October were near perfect and in many parts the harvest was delayed by some 10 days from the usual start dates. Comparisons are difficult. It is in my view better than 1977 & 1970 as good as 1994 and for me is close to 1955 which I suppose I first tasted in 1961, not quite straight after bottling but still in its youth. Churchill s The nose is inky black, a mix of elderberry and sloe spiced up by coffee beans. Powerful fruit packs out the palate, cassis and sloe very much in evidence both underpinned by fresher elderberry and bilberry. The tannins are very firm encircling the fruit and tending to close down the finish at this stage Churchill s Quinta Da Gricha The nose is very sweet packed full of syrupy cassis and black plum. There is lots of power fleshy and fat on the mid palate, a bit sticky sweet towards the back. There is some underlying red fruited freshness but may be not quite enough to balance the lushness. Cockburn s It is very fresh with more of a red fruit influence. There are black fruits in evidence all quite floral, bilberry and elderberry. The fruit towards the back has sweetness but there is enough tannic firmness to support it. It is just not that complex Tasted at the Factory House in Oporto at the Symington tasting September 2012 The nose is deep and brooding packed with rich black fruits. Fruit power fills out the palate further enriched by liquorice the layers of fruit give complexity seamless the ripe sweet black underpinned by fresher red redcurrant and raspberry and although this brings out the fragrances the touch of spice the finish is sumptuous voluptuous. Cockburn s Quinta Dos Canais The floral red fruited fragrance on the nose is backed by hints of lighter black such as bilberry and bramble. The palate has a mix of flavours more of a blackberry and blackcurrant character in the middle with lighter fragrant redder fruits coming through on the finish. Croft Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 PORT August 01, 2012 The nose has a charming fragrance and appears light at the start although richer flavours come through on the palate. It is very red fruited but blackberry and black cherry lurk underneath giving more flesh to the finish. The fruit lasts well on the finish. Tasted at Somerset House January It has charm and fragrance but appears quite light. There are richer fruits showing in the middle more of a black fruit influence with fresher red appearing towards the back giving a lighter feel to the finish. Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February The fruit on the nose is fresh and fragrant and the start of the palate light with red fruits in evidence. Bramble and black cherry give more depth in the middle but the back palate and finish lack richness and depth. Delaforce It is very light, quite fragrant but lacking substance. The mix of black and red fruits is sweet, blackberry seems to dominate at the start but behind this is redcurrant and strawberry. Towards the back the richness slides leaving the finish fragrant but lacking power. Dow s The nose is very rich packed with powerful black fruits enriched by liquorice. The mid palate has the freshness of red currant balancing the powerful black. The polished tannins whilst giving structure do not overpower or hold back the fruit. Tasted at Graham s Lodge Oporto October The nose is leaner slightly racier with red fruits showing beneath the black. There is weight on the palate, an attractive richness but the red fruits show again towards the back giving a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Ferreira There is an attractive mix of flavours on the nose, first raspberry and then bilberry coming through. The fruit is quite light but has lots of fragrance. The mid palate lacks real depth although there is some sweet fruit and quite ripe feeling tannins. Towards the back the alcohol shows and this tends to hold back the fruit expression. Fonseca The nose has depth of fruit and this richness is there fleshing out the palate. Blackberry is enriched by cassis and black liquorice refreshed by some redcurrant and cherry. The tannins have power but are polished ensuring that there is sleekness and elegance. Tasted at Somerset House January Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 01, 2012 PORT The richness and power of fruit are very much there with some red fruit freshness underpinning. Sleekness and elegance feature on the back palate. It feels as though it might be approachable a little before my 2009 thoughts. Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February The fruit feels ripe the nose has lots of rich fruit and the palate has depth with powerful black fruits yet there is a fresh streak some red fruits. The mid palate is still firm the tannins obvious yet feel ripe and although it is fresh at the back it finishes with richness, power, depth and sweetness. Gould Campbell There is a rich feel to the mix of black fruits that flesh out the nose and this sweet mix is there on the palate. Behind the lush bramble, cassis and bilberry is a red fruited freshness that helps to balance the sweetness. It is not that complex but there is a lot of fruit lingering on the palate Graham s It is wonderfully rich first ripe blackberry then cassis all backed by liquorice and eucalyptus. The fruit on the palate is powerful, enriched by dark chocolate and given a wonderful complexity by the mix of black fruits. The balance seems near perfect and the finish is sleek, refined and elegant Tasted at Graham s Lodge Oporto October The nose is packed with fruit the ripeness giving an attractive lushness. The mix of fruits ensures complexity first very black fruited then behind this some lighter fresher red berries. There is lots of power but a lighter feel towards the back ensuring elegance. Tasted in the Douro May The nose is attractively floral with lots of bramble and black cherry. The palate has a mix of fruits rich and ripe with firm but fine tannins a power house of flavour. Towards the back some eucalyptus shows through slightly lighter and adding complexity. The finish is still quite closed. Tasted in Oporto May The nose has a floral charm spring violets hints of eucalyptus and the start of the palate is fresh quite light lots of bramble and bilberries. The mid palate has depth some serious brooding black fruits power a mailed fist in a velvet glove. Whilst the tannins are firm structured there is sweet fruit underneath with a lighter more elegant feel to the long finish. Quinta Do Infantado It is rather tight and closed on the nose although there is the feel of a lot to show. Black fruits are dominant on the palate, powerful and structured, with behind all this power is some attractive, fragrant fresher raspberry that gives a brighter feel towards the back. Right on the finish the power house of black fruits returns. Martinez Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 PORT August 01, 2012 Although the nose is light it has an appealing fragrance. Bramble and bilberry seem to dominate but behind them is fresher redcurrant and raspberry that give brightness. Although the mid palate is sweet it lacks the structure that would give real depth. There is not a great deal of complexity on either nose or palate. Quinta Do Meão The nose is packed with rich black fruit, blackcurrant and sloe intermingling with bramble. There is a lovely sweetness on the palate; the fruit is lush, opulent and powerful. There is enough structure to support it and enough of a red fruited influence to brighten the finish. Niepoort Rich ripe blackcurrant and sloe flesh out the nose and lend weight on the palate. The powerful black fruits are underpinned by lighter more fragrant black and red, bramble and bilberry intermingling with red cherry. The back palate is very firm packed with powerful flavours. Niepoort Broadbent There is a very attractive red fruited freshness about the nose and this gives an elegant feel to the palate. It is a bit misleading as towards the back there is more weight of ripe cassis and bramble that fleshes out the finish. Niepoort Pisca The nose is very firm, the mix of black and red fruits rather held back by the aggressive tannins. Sweeter blackberry and sloe come through towards the middle but the alcohol and tannin override overpowering the fruit and gives a firm toughness on the finish. Quinta Do Noval The nose is packed with crushed black fruits and violets. There is a lighter feel at the start of the palate but towards the middle more cassis and sloe appears, all quite chewy. The tannins firm up the finish and tend to hold back full fruit expression although there is the feeling of hidden fruit which will show in time. Tasted at Quinta do Noval October There is more of a black fruit influence than red on the nose but on the palate behind the lush black cherry and bilberry is some fresher mulberry. The layers of flavour ensure complexity and although the back palate is voluptuously lush there is enough tannic structure to hold it all together while the fruit evolves. Quinta Do Noval Silval Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 01, 2012 PORT Blackberry, blackcurrant and sloe all intermingle to give real power to the nose and richness on the palate. The tannins, although firm and structured, feel ripe giving support but do not close down the fruit. Red fruits appear towards the back giving a lighter feel to the finish. Tasted at Quinta do Noval October Succulent red fruits give the nose an attractive opulence. The start of the palate is lush with a mix of strawberry and ripe cherry. The tannins are in evidence tightening the mid palate and holding in the fruit towards the back but there is so much to show. Tasted in the Douro May The richness of the year fills out both nose and palate. Rich black fruits a mass of black cherry and plum are backed by slightly fresher flavours and although the finish is showing its immaturity there is lots of fruit to show. Offley Boa Vista The acidity of the red fruit mix is very apparent on the nose and gives a fresh feel on the start of the palate. There is a sweeter mix of fruit on the mid palate bramble intermingling with loganberry but then aggressive slightly dusty dry tannins cut through and these combined with alcohol close down the finish. Quinta De Passadouro There is not a great deal showing on the nose at this stage. The palate has a mix of black and red fruits with the red more dominant than the black. It has fragrance but this is held back by tannic firmness which tends to dry and shorten the finish. There does not appear to be enough fruit to win through. Poças Quinta De Santa Barbara It is very light and the red fruits on the nose have a green edge. The mid palate lacks weight of fruit; there is some sweetness but not enough to combat the firm and slightly drying tannins. The finish is hard, rather short and lacking any depth of fruit. Poças Black fruits are there on the nose all feeling quite sweet, bramble tending to be the dominant flavour. The palate has a good weight of fruit and although there is a red fruited freshness ripe black dominate. Towards the back rather dry tannins take over and shorten the finish holding back the fruit. Quinta Do Portal Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 PORT August 01, 2012 The nose is surprisingly light with more of a red fruited influence than black. Richer bramble and blackcurrant give flesh in the middle and the sweetness lasts well. Although the tannins are firm they do not dry the fruit too much. Quarles Harris Blackcurrant is the first impression but behind it there is a mix of bramble and bilberry. There is a lot happening on both nose and palate. The fruit feels sweet but the tannins are very firm at this stage and tend to dominate. It lacks a bit of concentration towards the back and the tannic firmness and hint of alcohol shortens the finish Ramos Pinto Quinta Ervamoira The nose has lots of red fruits, quite light but charmingly fragrant. The ripeness of the fruit shows on the plate which has weight and depth, bilberry and bramble helping to flesh it out. The tannins give structure but they are not aggressive and allow the sweet fruit to show to advantage The red fruits give freshness but behind there are black giving power and depth. The palate has richness of flavour a good weight of fruit but there is underlying freshness a slightly lighter more elegant feel and although the tannins are firm they don t overpower. Ramos Pinto There is an attractive mix of flavours on the nose all feeling quite ripe. The sweetness of the fruit lends fleshiness on the palate; blackberry and cassis intermingle with bilberry and elderberry. The tannins ensure good structure but as they are rounded they allow the flesh of the fruits to fill out the back palate Sweet ripe fruit gives richness on the nose a fleshy lushness on the palate. Black fruits dominate cassis and black plum with fresher bilberry and elderberry at the back. There is tannic firmness yet suppleness with black fruited power filling out the finish. Real Companhia Velha There is not a lot of fruit showing on the nose. The palate tends to be the same it lacks weight of fruit. Although the mid palate has some sweetness it is soon overpowered by the aggressive dustiness of the tannins and the alcohol that dominates the finish. Quinta Da Romaneira The mainly black fruits on the nose are deep and give a powerful start to the palate. Fleshy cassis and sloe is backed by liquorice and black plum. The power of the black fruits is lightened 19 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 01, 2012 PORT by some raspberry and cherry showing towards the back giving a lighter fresher feel on the finish. Quinta Do Roriz The rich mix of cassis and sloe gives weight and depth to the nose. There is a lot of fruit fleshing out the palate, all very black fruited. Although sweet and lush towards the back raspberry shows itself giving a brighter feel on the finish. Royal Oporto The nose is fresh with a mix of raspberry and cherry underpinned by some bilberry. The palate starts quite sweet with more of a black fruit influence. The dry aggressive tannins take over and hold back fruit expression and the finish has a green grubbiness. Rozès It is quite light but the nose is full of attractive fragrances. The mix of red fruits, raspberry and cherry intermingle with the lighter black, bramble and bilberry. The mid palate is sweet, the fruit floral and light not overtly powerful. Although it lacks a bit of complexity it has charm Sandeman Lots of powerful cassis and sloe give flesh to the nose and this mix is very much in evidence on the palate. The tannins give support but the ripeness of the fruit gives flesh on the mid plate and a lush feel to the finish. There is enough backbone to support the sweetness. Tasted at the Sign of the Don St Swithin s Lane April The nose has black plum richness the palate depth brooding black fruits. It is sweet in the middle fleshy and ripe with black fruited richness. Firm tannins at the back are taut but the finish has richness suppleness yet vibrancy with depth of fruit. Skeffington Sweet black fruits fill out the nose overlaid by the fragrance of violets. Ripe black fruits give richness at the start of the palate but fresher red emerge giving it a lighter feel towards the back. The tannins are evident ensuring that there is enough structure to balance the sweetness. Smith Woodhouse This is very typical of the Smith style. More red fruit influences on the nose but the palate is packed with bilberry and blackberry. The tannins are firm and give support to the ripe fruit; fleshy cassis shows towards the back although right on the finish, cherry and raspberry ensure brightness. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 PORT August 01, 2012 Taylor s Violets are the predominant perfume on the nose with behind them a mix of black fruits, blackberry and bilberry. The palate is packed with powerful chewy fruit, all very concentrated. The tannins feel firm and give structure supporting the ripe fleshy fruit. Tasted at Somerset House January The feel is very much as it was in May last year, richness and power firm but ripe tannins, little has changed. It may not though have quite the length of life one first thought. Tasted at the Mentzendorff tasting London February Fragrant floral the nose has lots of woodland violets and more of a red fruited freshness. The black fruits on the palate are rich black cherry and damsons with some lighter bramble at the back. The structure is still a bit tight but it opens up at the back with a mix of rich flavours on the finish. Taylor s Quinta De Vargellas Vinha Velha The mix of blackberry and cassis is rich and deep backed by lighter fresher raspberry and bilberry giving an exciting complexity. The lush mid palate is underpinned by structured tannins that support the fruit. There is power towards the back but yet it has an underlying elegance. Quinta Vale D. Maria The nose has the freshness and brightness of red fruits with behind them some sweeter bramble. The rather dry tannins tend to hold back fruit expression on the palate and although richer flavours are there towards the back the alcohol tends to overpower the fruit fragrances on the finish. Quinta De Ventozelo There is sweet fruit on the nose with a mix of black and red fruits. The palate has a tannic firmness backed by a fresh mineral streak. The richness of the flavours slides giving a drier slightly hollow middle and a lack of richness at the back. Quinta do Vesúvio The nose is sumptuous and fleshy and this voluptuous richness of dark fruits is there on the palate. It is powerful, solid, a wonderful depth of fruit, the chewy blackcurrant vying with blackberry for dominance. The polished tannins give structure and a racy feel to the finish. Tasted at Quinta do Vesuvio October There is a wonderful opulent feel to the nose rich ripe lush fruit. Bramble intermingles with elderberry both underpinned by black cherry and damson. Although the mid palate is very 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 01, 2012 PORT sweet towards the back the tannins show themselves fine grained but giving structure. It has a wonderful concentration and complexity of flavour. Tasted in the Douro May The bramble on the nose has a minty charm and is misleadingly light as the palate is packed with power rich black cherry, bramble damsons a lovely mix of flavours. There is richness sweetness power yet enough freshness lots of bilberries to give a lighter more elegant feel on the finish. Quinta do Vesuvio A Capela This minute quantity from a special part of the vineyard with old vines is stunningly rich and seductive. Blackberry is underpinned by sloe all refreshed by lighter bilberry. The fruit is backed by liquorice and dark chocolate, a wonderfully complex mix of flavours. Fine grained polished tannins support the fruit and forecast long life. Warre s Violets and dried flowers overlay the black fruits on the nose. Blackcurrant and bramble underpinned by sloe give a seductive richness and this is emphasised by the dark chocolate and liquorice. The mid palate is dense packed with fruit power. The polished tannins all add to the seductive feel and the elegance of the finish. Tasted at Graham s Lodge Oporto October The black fruits are rich and powerful giving a lush feel to the nose. Lots of different black fruit flavours are there giving real complexity. It is misleadingly sweet but lurking behind is a back bone and structure that may close down the fleshiness for a while. Wine & Soul s Pintas It is very light, quite floral with a mix of redcurrant and raspberry. Behind the red fruits there are some black but not enough to fatten the middle and give richness. The tannins tend to dry leaving a finish that lacks length The drought of 2002 was followed by a very wet winter with the metre of rainfall that fell on parts of the Douro between November and March welcomed with open arms. Budburst occurred in the third week of March with the continued wet weather bringing the threat of powdery and downy mildew. Flowering took place for the most part in late May in favourable conditions and the rest of the growing season was hot and dry with the occasional outbursts of rain described by many as ideal conditions. A turning point came in the first fifteen days of August when the first intense heat wave of the summer (temperatures of up to 43.3degrees C) brought the growing cycle to an abrupt halt and the vine concentrated on ripening the grapes. The second half of August was cooler with two days of light rain near the end of the month. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 PORT August 01, 2012 Picking started around the middle of September with the good weather returning with only two days of rain up to the end of the harvest on the 10 th October. Yields were above average for all varieties with larger than normal bunches. Some young vines struggled and those in exposed sites produced raisin like berries. It is perhaps not a great year but a good one. Andresen The nose is a bit closed the palate starts firm and tight. It does open up in the middle with sweet black fruits but at the back tannic firmness takes over and tends to close down the finish. Barao de Villar The fruit on the nose is sweet and hot the palate heavy lacking in finesse. The sweetness at the back is underpinned by firm tannins that tend to dry and shorten the finish. Barros The nose is light the palate lacks fruit richness and intensity. The sweeter fruit that appears at the back tends to be overtaken by tannic firmness. Burmester Sweet on the nose the palate has some rich black fruits. Lighter at the back the bilberry and bramble give freshness. There is though sweetness and more depth on the finish. Calem Ripe on the nose with black fruits to the fore the palate is rich and fleshy the sweetness the ripe cassis and black plum balanced by an underlying freshness. The finish has depth, power richness. Churchill s Rather waxy and hot on the nose with some violet fragrances. There is more depth on the palate, ripe and round at the start but going quite firm and slightly dry towards the back. Lacks a bit of complexity but there is sweet fruit showing right at the back. Tasted at the Carlton Club July Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley