Vintage Port

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  2017 Fonseca Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 10 - 20 Years (2032-2042)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Magnificent colour displaying an impenetrable inky black core with an equally dense hue. Still a touch reticent the nose slowly opens to reveal alluring liquorice and confectionary scents which meld into a mix of morello cherry, well integrated spirit and spice notes. Rich, luscious morello cherry and liquorice flavours are backed by rugged, muscly tannins which lend firmness and structure for the long haul. Marzipan, infusions of vanilla and spice ensue. Exceptionally intense and powerful it finishes long, dense and robust.
  Cellar 10-20+ years.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when seen but the final blend, is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar, a little drier on paper than its Taylor sibling this year. Sappy and sensational in flavor and fruit, this seemingly has moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish. Despite the first impression of moderation, there is plenty of power here. As it got some aeration, it showed nothing but power and closed down fairly hard. The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a potentially great Fonseca, but right now it is obviously immature and not showing everything it has. I'd recommend some patience here.
  96-98 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate (July 2019)

  Picking began at Quinta do Panascal on September 6, the two other quintas in Pinhão that form the 2017 Fonseca Vintage Port, Cruzeiro and Santo António picked on 10 and 17 September respectively. One of the deepest, most opaque color amongst the new Port alumni, it has one of the most backward, almost recalcitrant noses that demands a lot of aeration. It gradually opens to reveal blackberry, melted tar, thyme, clove and violet aromas that are well defined, if maybe just missing the same breeding as Taylor’s. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This is fresh and detailed, a slightly more structured Fonseca than expected, quite strict at first with good grip and a lightly spiced, precise finish. Powerful and long on the aftertaste, you can feel this Fonseca 60 seconds after the wine has exited. It deserves 10-15 years in bottle. Excellent, but patience required. The most enigmatic of the 2017 Vintage Ports. Total production is 8,100 cases.
  95 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Ripe and soft with loads of plummy, smoky and earthy character. Full body. Very sweet. Round and very soft textured. Flavorful finish. Drink in 2025 and onwards.
  95 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Dark and dense, with fig bread, baker's chocolate and tar notes leading off before the core flavors of plum, black currant and blackberry paste finally start to emerge. The wild, spirited finish shows cast iron, licorice snap and roasted alder elements, delivering a decidedly chewy feel. A big, old-school, throwback Port that will age at a glacial pace. Best from 2035 through 2060.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  The wine's fine perfumed black plum fruits give a wonderful jammy character while bringing out a fresh edge. These are balanced by the dry core of this beautiful wine with its rich, generous tannins. It will all come together from 2030 in a very fine, integrated wine.
  98 points
  Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

  Already beautifully integrated, this is showing great purity and poise. It's open and in its first bloom of youth, with lovely aromatic red berry fruit and floral aromas, plus a touch of leafiness. It's soft and fleshy initially, seemingly not as big as its stablemate Taylor's - and not quite so deep in colour - though with dark chocolate concentration and mid-palate firmness. Lovely full, ripe tannins mass in the mouth, well defined, with fresh berry fruit remerging on the broad, expansive finish.
  95 points
  Richard Mayson - Decanter

  Deepest purple. Wild, perfectly ripe small black berries like elderberry but also the lush sweetness of ripe blackberries plus a stony, rocky edge and just a touch charry. Lush, plush and exotic on the palate, deep-pile, compact, smooth tannins, just enough freshness to balance the rich generosity. The finish is beautifully dry-tasting, the tannins melting on the long finish.
  17.5/20 points
  Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

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• • 95

  2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2018-2020)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque dark red purple colour with deep dark red purple hue. The nose displays aromas of marzipan, liquorice, spice, raisins and fine old brandy spirit. The palate is a super concentrate of liquorice, raisins, aniseed and black cherry with a warm spicy brandy finish displaying exceptional depth. Very long liquorice, aniseed, marzipan and spicy warm brandy aftertaste. Bottled in 2005.
  Cellar 8-10 years (2018-2020).
  20.5% Alc

  Other Reviews….
  Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I’ve ever encountered, it coats the taster’s palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom. Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060.
  96+ points
  Pierre Rovani – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

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  Graham's 10 Year Old Tawny Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $84. 99

  Bottle

  $1019.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  A very pretty wood port with cherry, berry, walnut and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and very sweet with focus, density and length. Fruity, yet pleasantly earthy. Drink now and enjoy.
  93 Points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Date, fig and mulled plum fruit flavors form this broad and juicy core. Cinnamon, black tea and hazelnut notes fill in the background. Shows some power, with the cut and drive for balance. Drink now.
  92 Points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  A luscious, super-moreish tawny, with notes of sweet orange peel, mellow Madeira honey cake, almond/marzipan and salted caramel. Silky, honeyed mouthfeel, with praline to the finish. Satisfying and very complete, this 10-year-old is naughty but nice, polished and toothsome: a great execution of the house style (20cl bottle tasted).
  93 Points
  Sarah Ahmed - Decanter.com

  Paler and more evolved colour than the M&S 10 year old tawny port from the Fladgate Partnership (Quinta and Vineyard Bottlers). Much more complex, more concentrated and mature than the M&S 10 year old tawny. Lots of life, transparency and vibrancy. Pretty sweet but good tang and clean freshness on the finish too. Some nuttiness as well as the dried-fruit notes. Very smart fat clear-glass flask. Quite long.
  17 / 20 Points
  JancisRobinson.com

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• 2018 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $34. 99

  Bottle

  $419.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 19.6%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes from producer....
  Our LBV is aged for 4 to 6 years in large wooden vats. The winemaking and ageing methods were chosen to match the selection of wines which make up the LBV: full-bodied red Ports stemming from a single vintage. LBV or Late Bottled Vintage is a category of Port wines which became popular in the 60s, filling the gap between Ruby and Vintage Ports. The extended ageing period of the LBV allows it to show a rounder and mature character –this wine can therefore be enjoyed young, soon after bottling.
  The 2018 harvest will be remembered for its record low yields in the vineyard and atypical weather. The winter was cold and dry, while Spring and early Summer were very wet and relatively cold, which led to a delay in the vegetative cycle as well as problems with mildew in this region. In addition to these challenges, there was a dramatic hailstorm at the end of May and a heat wave in the last few days of July.
  August was hot, with hot and dry weather conditions for the whole duration of the harvest, which started at Vale de Mendiz on 6 September.
  Violet glints appear in this wine’s intense ruby red hue. The nose reveals aromas of fruits of the forest, spices and figs. On the palate, you will find Niepoort’s quintessential structure and elegance. It sets off on sweet notes but finishes dry, with a surprisingly assertive acidity. This Late Bottled Vintage is one of the few wines in its category that is bottled with a real cork instead of a bar top closure. At Niepoort, this means that this Port can already be enjoyed in its youth or left to mature in the bottle for many years.

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  • Nick's Import

  2019 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $2999. 00

  Bottle

  $35988.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 19.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Vintage Port Nacional is a field blend, mostly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in old wood. It was bottled May 4, 2021, with 100 grams of residual sugar and 19.4% alcohol. This opened rather differently than the regular Noval Port this report, showing more open and expressive fruit, more cherries and even more power as they both aired out. The aromatics are excellent here too, but more fruit driven. When I came back to both some two days later, this brilliant and graceful Nacional made the wonderful regular Noval seem clumsy. It's the difference in styles, really, and reasonable minds might differ in preference, but this Nacional has more precision and more finesse. It is brighter and laser-like focused with an expression of fruit that seems so pure that you can almost think they used a spoon to fill the bottle after just crushing the grapes. The regular Noval, by contrast, seems rounder, more full-bodied and richer, albeit less defined.
  They both have a fair share of power. On first taste, the regular Noval seemed less powerful. Two days later, it seemed more powerful, but the Nacional fruit was always more interesting and far more intense in its character. Three days later, there was certainly still plenty of firmness on the Nacional finish. If the structure is excellent, the fruit is sensational. Three days after opening, the fruit had not budged an inch, showing nothing but exuberance and youth. The juicy finish of this very fresh Porto seals the deal. True, it was in bottle only about two months or so when tasted, but its quality is not in question. If you want a collectible and can afford it, this is the easy pick. If neither of those is true, the regular Noval offers way more bang for the buck. Both have significant aging potential. As promising as the regular Noval is, however, this seems to have a lot more upside as well as a lot more "wow" factor.
  I have given this wine a drinking window that begins in about 10 years, but of course, that is a minimum for this as well as the regular Noval. These days, Ports are more refined, so you can theoretically start sooner, most of the time. In truth, it will need 20 years before it is firing on all cylinders. Purists will suggest longer. Drink 2029 - 2075.
  99 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate (Jul 23, 2021)

  Last but certainly not least, the 2019 Quinta do Noval Naçional Vintage Port comes from Noval’s un-grafted vines and undergoes essentially the same maturation as the regular Noval. It is more backward on the nose compared to the Noval, demands time to open, before eventually revealing black cherries, tar, tobacco and clove. A touch of smoke and eucalyptus make an appearance with time. The palate is absolutely sublime with a perfectly judged line of acidity; a Naçional that is full of tension and energy, finely chiselled tannins and an enthralling crescendo towards the spicy and peppery finish. This is quite profound. Drink 2033-2070.
  98 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  A chewy and beautiful young Nacional with grapey character and lots of depth and layers of tannins. Crushed black berries and black cherries. Tannic finish. Needs 10 to 15 years to soften.
  98 points
  James Suckling

  Pure perfection in Port, the 2019 Vintage Port Nacional is riveting stuff in every sense, and I certainly can't imagine it being any better. Coming from a single parcel of older vines and a field blend (it's primarily Touriga Nacional) brought up in older wood, it's one of those ports that brings incredible intensity, richness, and power while somehow staying perfectly balanced, pure, and light on its feet, with its fruit, alcohol, and structure just flawlessly integrated. It's also incredibly complex, even at this young stage, offering red, blue, and black fruits as well as sandalwood, Asian spice, dried flowers, iron, black olive, and graphite on the nose. While the base Noval closed down quite quickly, this showed consistently over the three days I had the bottles open, never showing any sign of fatigue or oxidation, and given its incredible balance, it was the wine I chose to pour a small glass of each evening as well. While the 2020 is all about power and richness, this is an utterly complex, compelling, insanely good Port that I wish I could pour for every reader. While it offers ample pleasure today (count me in the group that enjoys young Port), I would hide any bottles I might have for at least 7-8 years, and it should have 50, 60, 70 years of longevity? This beauty will unquestionably outlive most of us today. Drink 2030 - 2090.
  100 points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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  • Nick's Import

  2019 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 15 - 25 Years (2039-2049)

  ABV: 19.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Pitch black in colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Potent morello cherry, black cherry and liquorice allsorts aromas are complimented by distinct marzipan, brandy spirit and iron notes. Incredibly concentrated and powerful, every corner of the palate is completely drenched with liquorice, morello cherry and blackberry fruits which are framed by muscular yet integrated tannins. Notions of marzipan, liquorice allsorts and spice lie underneath. Luscious yet grippy in its feel it concludes with amazing richness and great persistence. Still very youthful and firmly structured this requires some long term ageing.
  Cellar 15-25 years.
  Alc. 19.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2019 Vintage Port is a field blend aged for 18 months in old wood vats. It was bottled May 4, 2021, and has 100 grams of residual sugar. It was in bottle only a bit more than two months when tasted, but it seems quite brilliant, even so. Very concentrated, it adds controlled power and coats the palate. Tasted with some other 2019s, this certainly stood out for both concentration and power. It touches all the bases in terms of expressive fruit and structure, finishing dry and seriously. It seemed balanced enough to drink young, but that would be a mistake. For one thing, it steadily tightened as it aired out. It also increasingly showed gorgeous eucalyptus-laced aromatics. Two days later, it was notably more astringent. Four days later, it was very firm on the finish and better overall. In fact, that was a far better showing than on day one. This is plainly built for the long haul. I would expect nothing less from a fine Noval Vintage Port. It became more focused and precise as well. This needs the rest of this decade, at least, in the cellar to show better. Then it will develop well for decades and hold indefinitely. Frankly, it won't show everything it has in even 10 years, where I have the "start drinking" window, so if you have a lot more patience, that would be useful. It will be more interesting around 2035-2040. This is a powerful beauty, well justifying Noval's tendency to declare most every year. Drink 2029-2075.
  97 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate (Jul 23, 2021)

  Noval has released 2,780 cases, equivalent to 15% of production, of the 2019 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Sousão, Tinta Roriz, foot-trodden in lagares with 18 months in oak barrel. This is well defined on the nose, with dusky black fruit laced with graphite and clove. A serious rendition when compared directly with the more “playful” 2019 Passadouro; hints of liquorice, eucalyptus and boot polish emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with vivid red and black fruit, liquorice and black pepper, crisp acidity with a structured finish. This is a fresh, tensile Noval that will age with style. Drink 2032-2055.
  96 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Aromas of dried cherries, blackberries and cassis with dark licorice, chocolate and graphite undertones. Full-bodied, with a ripe and mellow sweetness, and ultra-fine, silky tannins that flow through the palate for minutes. Lots of grip. Such an elegant texture, with great finesse. Long and seamless. Better from 2030.
  97 points
  James Suckling

  Coming from a cooler vintage, the 2019 Vintage Port is nevertheless powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, with lots of structure and density giving it a tight, backward, yet incredibly impressive feel. It's actually more concentrated than the 2018, with a touch more baby fat as well, yet has a similar level of complexity. Red and black plums, cassis, iron, chalky minerality, chocolate, black olive, and licorice are just some of its nuances, and unlike the 2018, which showed even better with air, this closed up rather quickly and was more enjoyable on Day One than Day Three. Nevertheless, this is magical stuff that just needs a solid decade of bottle age. As with the 2018, it spent 18 months in old wood tanks and was bottled with around 100 grams of residual sugar. Drink after 2033.
  97+ points
  Jeb Dunnuck

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  2002 Seppeltsfield 21 Year Old Para Tawny

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Stelvin

  The Seppeltsfield 2002 Single Vintage Para Tawny is a single vintage fortified wine, with maturation taking place in old oak hogsheads for 21 years. Founded in 1851 by Joseph and Johanna Seppelt, Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley boasts a heritage steeped in pride and value, emerging just 15 years after South Australia's European settlement.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  Seppeltsfield is a national treasure for its fortified wines and every time I drive past my eyes light up at the sight of the old gravity-fed winery and the memory of the smell in the fortified cellar fills my wee noggin. I love the place. A tawny with 21 years under its belt in front of us here. Medium-tawny in the glass with the usual head-spinningly complex array of aromas and flavours that make us flip our lids for this stuff. Candied citrus fruits, fruitcake spices, mahogany, brandy snaps, Christmas cake, toffee, rancio, roast and candied nuts and layer upon layer of spice and comforting whiffs of warm, woody tones and leather. Viscous, unctuous and wildly complex, the transposition of aroma to flavour completes and then starts multiplying, reaching a crescendo before slowly fading at a glacial pace with an amazing length of flavour and sense of freshness. Wonderful. Drink 2023 - 2053.
  97 Points
  Dave Brookes - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

  If anything in the fortified realm nudges perfection, this is it. Typical aromas of molasses, orange verbena, roasted walnut husk, tamarind, clove and the medley of everything available (and not) in the Moroccan souk. Yet what makes this wine is the balance between decadent sugar levels and the undercarriage of savoriness, manifesting as bright acidity and chewy, unctuous, moreish rails. You know you are drinking something akin to liquid diabetes, but you want the next glass! Drink or hold, as this is indestructible.
  96 Points
  Ned Goodwin MW - JamesSuckling.com

  21 years in barrel. Fortified with some brandy. I remember 2002 as being a long cool vintage in the Barossa. Atypical, you might say.
  Salted toffee, orange peel, plenty of XMAS spice and an almost seaweed/rancio character. It’s viscous and warming, roasted nuts, sticky toffee pudding and burnt sugar, orange liqueur, plenty of length, and a distinctly salty/spicy/nutty finish of fine length. Excellent, and pretty good value when you consider it’s 21 years old!
  95 Points
  Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

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  2017 Taylors Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  Cellar: 10 - 20 Years (2032-2042)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Super saturated pitch black in colour with an inky black dark red hue. Tightly packed, the nose is playing its cards close to its chest with liquorice, blackberry and morello cherry scents trailed by marzipan, subtle raisin, vanillin confectionary and spicy spirit notes. Rich, energetic and tense, decadent black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits are underscored by beautifully integrated warm spirit and a firm tannin structure that provides plenty of muscle and grip yet remains perfectly balanced. Notions of marzipan, black plum and spicy raisins make an appearance on the back half. Magnificent intensity and power with an exceptionally long and luscious yet fresh finish that carries a sturdy underbelly.
  Cellar 10-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews….
  Complex aromas of tar, wet earth, dark berry and flowers follow through to a full body, medium sweet and amazing compacted concentration. Vertical and so deep. It goes on for minutes. Truly excellent. Better after 2027.
  99 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The 2017 Taylor's Vintage Port comes from their three quintas: Vargellas, de Terra Feita and do Junco, picking commencing at Vargellas on September 1, the earliest since 1945. Now this boasts a bold and more flamboyant bouquet vis-à-vis the Croft with layers of blackcurrant, blueberries, violet and allspice. Wonderful definition here and as it ratchets up through the gears with aeration manages to maintain impressive delineation. The palate is medium, rather full-bodied. The first impression is one of freshness, completely disguising that summer’s dryness and warmth, a disarming finesse built around the frame of tannins that would have been impossible years ago. It is a silky-smooth Taylor’s, one of the most polished 2017 Vintage Ports with energy and tension flooding through the finish. Aristocratic as ever, totally Taylor’s, yet still translating the growing season with aplomb. Total production is 11,500 cases. Drink 2030-2080.
  98 points
  Neal Martin – Vinous

  The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when seen but the final blend, is a field blend aged for approximately 20 months in wood. It comes in with 100 grams of residual sugar. A step up (or two) on the 2016, this shows fine depth, more focus, vivid fruit and serious power. It's not particularly thick, austere or astringent, but this is built for the long haul. It is potentially a great Taylor's, effortlessly combining brilliant fruit and structure. It tastes great now (today, it is far more vivid than its Vinha Velha sibling), but the power makes this hard to drink today. So, have some patience. It will need some time, probably a lot more than indicated, and will likely last longer than indicated as well. As noted in the accompanying article, I don't see much point to impossibly long drinking windows. At some point, reevaluation is required.
  At the moment, it seems to be a step up on the Vinha Velha, although that is far more closed. I'd pick this today, but in time, both undoubtedly will have more tales to tell. Great young Ports go through many phases, and both are great young Ports. When ten-year anniversary tastings are done, this will have to be on the shortlist of greats to reconsider to determine how the best in the vintage are meeting expectations. Drink 2030-2077.
  98-100 points
  Mark Squires – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  This offers up a dense rumble of dark currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors, laced with hints of buckwheat, baker's chocolate and warm tar. The muscular finish is thickly layered, with threads of alder and espresso cream adding definition along the way. Should be among the more long-lived wines of the vintage. Best from 2035 through 2060.
  97 points
  Wine Spectator

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  2017 Taylors Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  Cellar: 10 - 20 Years (2032-2042)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Super saturated pitch black in colour with an inky black dark red hue. Tightly packed, the nose is playing its cards close to its chest with liquorice, blackberry and morello cherry scents trailed by marzipan, subtle raisin, vanillin confectionary and spicy spirit notes. Rich, energetic and tense, decadent black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits are underscored by beautifully integrated warm spirit and a firm tannin structure that provides plenty of muscle and grip yet remains perfectly balanced. Notions of marzipan, black plum and spicy raisins make an appearance on the back half. Magnificent intensity and power with an exceptionally long and luscious yet fresh finish that carries a sturdy underbelly.
  Cellar 10-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews….
  Complex aromas of tar, wet earth, dark berry and flowers follow through to a full body, medium sweet and amazing compacted concentration. Vertical and so deep. It goes on for minutes. Truly excellent. Better after 2027.
  99 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The 2017 Taylor's Vintage Port comes from their three quintas: Vargellas, de Terra Feita and do Junco, picking commencing at Vargellas on September 1, the earliest since 1945. Now this boasts a bold and more flamboyant bouquet vis-à-vis the Croft with layers of blackcurrant, blueberries, violet and allspice. Wonderful definition here and as it ratchets up through the gears with aeration manages to maintain impressive delineation. The palate is medium, rather full-bodied. The first impression is one of freshness, completely disguising that summer’s dryness and warmth, a disarming finesse built around the frame of tannins that would have been impossible years ago. It is a silky-smooth Taylor’s, one of the most polished 2017 Vintage Ports with energy and tension flooding through the finish. Aristocratic as ever, totally Taylor’s, yet still translating the growing season with aplomb. Total production is 11,500 cases. Drink 2030-2080.
  98 points
  Neal Martin – Vinous

  The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when seen but the final blend, is a field blend aged for approximately 20 months in wood. It comes in with 100 grams of residual sugar. A step up (or two) on the 2016, this shows fine depth, more focus, vivid fruit and serious power. It's not particularly thick, austere or astringent, but this is built for the long haul. It is potentially a great Taylor's, effortlessly combining brilliant fruit and structure. It tastes great now (today, it is far more vivid than its Vinha Velha sibling), but the power makes this hard to drink today. So, have some patience. It will need some time, probably a lot more than indicated, and will likely last longer than indicated as well. As noted in the accompanying article, I don't see much point to impossibly long drinking windows. At some point, reevaluation is required.
  At the moment, it seems to be a step up on the Vinha Velha, although that is far more closed. I'd pick this today, but in time, both undoubtedly will have more tales to tell. Great young Ports go through many phases, and both are great young Ports. When ten-year anniversary tastings are done, this will have to be on the shortlist of greats to reconsider to determine how the best in the vintage are meeting expectations. Drink 2030-2077.
  98-100 points
  Mark Squires – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  This offers up a dense rumble of dark currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors, laced with hints of buckwheat, baker's chocolate and warm tar. The muscular finish is thickly layered, with threads of alder and espresso cream adding definition along the way. Should be among the more long-lived wines of the vintage. Best from 2035 through 2060.
  97 points
  Wine Spectator

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• 2011 Croft Porto Vintage Port (750ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  One of the original founding Port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thompson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. In 2001 the firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses re-affirming its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer. Croft’s Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, has hailed its 2011 release as "...one of the most muscular and powerful of recent Croft Vintages".

  Other Reviews...
  Effusively juicy, rich and concentrated, showing plenty of snap to the crisp and well-spiced flavors of wild berry, dark currant and plum tart. Orange-infused chocolate notes linger on the exotic, mocha-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 5,000 cases made. –KM 97 points Wine Spectator Beautiful aromas of violets and blueberries with hints of blue slate. Full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A leafy, stemmy, nutty undertone to this with hints of shaved milk chocolate. Very refined and beautiful. 5,000 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine.
  95 Points
  James Suckling

  The 2011 Croft is initially taciturn on the nose, even after allowing it 20 minutes in my glass. A light swirling immediately awakens the aromatics to offer blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberries and dried fig – complex and quite compelling. There is real mineralite within this bouquet that, returning after 30 minutes, offers alluring ocean spray scents rolling in off the ocean. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety-smooth opening that belies the fine, structured tannins underneath. It clams up a little towards the finish, shuts the lid tight and consequently there is the sensation of less persistency here compared to the Taylor’s or Fonseca. But Croft has a knack of filling out with bottle age and becomes both gentle and generous with the passing years. Tasted May 2013.
  92-95 Points
  Neal Martin - Wine Advocate (Jun 2013)

  Delivery Information
• 2011 Croft Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $64. 99

  Bottle

  $779.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  One of the original founding Port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thompson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. In 2001 the firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses re-affirming its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer. Croft’s Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, has hailed its 2011 release as "...one of the most muscular and powerful of recent Croft Vintages".

  Other Reviews... Effusively juicy, rich and concentrated, showing plenty of snap to the crisp and well-spiced flavors of wild berry, dark currant and plum tart. Orange-infused chocolate notes linger on the exotic, mocha-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 5,000 cases made. –KM 97 points Wine Spectator Beautiful aromas of violets and blueberries with hints of blue slate. Full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A leafy, stemmy, nutty undertone to this with hints of shaved milk chocolate. Very refined and beautiful. 5,000 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine.
  95 Points - James Suckling

  The 2011 Croft is initially taciturn on the nose, even after allowing it 20 minutes in my glass. A light swirling immediately awakens the aromatics to offer blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberries and dried fig – complex and quite compelling. There is real mineralite within this bouquet that, returning after 30 minutes, offers alluring ocean spray scents rolling in off the ocean. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety-smooth opening that belies the fine, structured tannins underneath. It clams up a little towards the finish, shuts the lid tight and consequently there is the sensation of less persistency here compared to the Taylor’s or Fonseca. But Croft has a knack of filling out with bottle age and becomes both gentle and generous with the passing years. Tasted May 2013.
  92 - 95 Points - Neal Martin (e-RobertParker)

  Delivery Information
• 1977 Dow's Silver Jubilee Vintage Port (375ml)

  Oporto, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Tasting note from 1999...1977 for Vintage Port was one of the great vintages in recent memory. Our tasting was the result of a generous gesture from one of our customers to share a part of a bottle with him. Generosity is one of the great qualities of wine lovers. Brick red sienna brown colour, aging gracefully. Superb nose of marzipan and liquorice allsorts. The spirit base contributes to sniffing pleasure, very fine and clean with a lifted hint of prunes. Liquorice allsorts, raisins and toffee superbly welded together in a seamless transition of flavours and enhanced by the velvet texture of the underlying spirit. Perfectly dry finish, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste. A near perfect wine.

  Other Reviews...
  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
  Robert Paker - erobertparker.com

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 95
  • 95

  2009 Fonseca Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2022-2032)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Dense midnight black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Intense liquorice and morello cherry aromas are followed by hints of marzipan, prune, vanillin confectionary and spice. The lush, concentrated palate is saturated with liquorice, black cherry and morello cherry fruit. Marzipan, fine spirit, subtle earthy tar, leather and spice linger on the dry finish. The tannins are becoming more integrated yet still assert their presence. Outstanding power concluding long with a sweet almondy aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 8-10 years.
  Alc. 20.5%

  Other Reviews….
  This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036.
  95 points
  Wine Spectator

  A classic Fonseca, rich and powerful, with just an extra edge of weight from the vintage. It has a dry character, a tannic edge that gives great promise, but the open-hearted fruit is all there. A wonderfully intense wine for aging.
  95 points
  Roger Voss – Wine Enthusiast

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  2012 Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port

  PORTUGAL

  $54. 99

  Bottle

  $659.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2012 Late Bottled Vintage Port is an unfiltered field blend and comes in with 105 grams of residual sugar. It was bottled with a bar-top cork after five years in used French oak. Sexy but elegant, this is chock-full of delicious fruit, sweet on the end and relatively fresh. The mid-palate is just average in depth, but the classic Port flavors are all up front. In its youth, it does have a bit of an exuberant feel despite the freshness. Generally, people don't age LBVs with bar-top corks, but this can hold, if there no cork failure, and develop a bit too. Happily, you can also drink it right now. Drink 2018 - 2025.
  90 Points
  Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (April 2018)

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 95
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 95
  • 96
  • 98

  2017 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 20 Years (2032-2042)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Magnificent colour displaying an impenetrable inky black core with an equally dense hue. Still a touch reticent the nose slowly opens to reveal alluring liquorice and confectionary scents which meld into a mix of morello cherry, well integrated spirit and spice notes. Rich, luscious morello cherry and liquorice flavours are backed by rugged, muscly tannins which lend firmness and structure for the long haul. Marzipan, infusions of vanilla and spice ensue. Exceptionally intense and powerful it finishes long, dense and robust.
  Cellar 10-20+ years.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when seen but the final blend, is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar, a little drier on paper than its Taylor sibling this year. Sappy and sensational in flavor and fruit, this seemingly has moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish. Despite the first impression of moderation, there is plenty of power here. As it got some aeration, it showed nothing but power and closed down fairly hard. The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a potentially great Fonseca, but right now it is obviously immature and not showing everything it has. I'd recommend some patience here.
  96-98 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate (July 2019)

  Picking began at Quinta do Panascal on September 6, the two other quintas in Pinhão that form the 2017 Fonseca Vintage Port, Cruzeiro and Santo António picked on 10 and 17 September respectively. One of the deepest, most opaque color amongst the new Port alumni, it has one of the most backward, almost recalcitrant noses that demands a lot of aeration. It gradually opens to reveal blackberry, melted tar, thyme, clove and violet aromas that are well defined, if maybe just missing the same breeding as Taylor’s. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This is fresh and detailed, a slightly more structured Fonseca than expected, quite strict at first with good grip and a lightly spiced, precise finish. Powerful and long on the aftertaste, you can feel this Fonseca 60 seconds after the wine has exited. It deserves 10-15 years in bottle. Excellent, but patience required. The most enigmatic of the 2017 Vintage Ports. Total production is 8,100 cases.
  95 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Ripe and soft with loads of plummy, smoky and earthy character. Full body. Very sweet. Round and very soft textured. Flavorful finish. Drink in 2025 and onwards.
  95 points
  jamessuckling.com

  Dark and dense, with fig bread, baker's chocolate and tar notes leading off before the core flavors of plum, black currant and blackberry paste finally start to emerge. The wild, spirited finish shows cast iron, licorice snap and roasted alder elements, delivering a decidedly chewy feel. A big, old-school, throwback Port that will age at a glacial pace. Best from 2035 through 2060.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  The wine's fine perfumed black plum fruits give a wonderful jammy character while bringing out a fresh edge. These are balanced by the dry core of this beautiful wine with its rich, generous tannins. It will all come together from 2030 in a very fine, integrated wine.
  98 points
  Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

  Already beautifully integrated, this is showing great purity and poise. It's open and in its first bloom of youth, with lovely aromatic red berry fruit and floral aromas, plus a touch of leafiness. It's soft and fleshy initially, seemingly not as big as its stablemate Taylor's - and not quite so deep in colour - though with dark chocolate concentration and mid-palate firmness. Lovely full, ripe tannins mass in the mouth, well defined, with fresh berry fruit remerging on the broad, expansive finish.
  95 points
  Richard Mayson - Decanter

  Deepest purple. Wild, perfectly ripe small black berries like elderberry but also the lush sweetness of ripe blackberries plus a stony, rocky edge and just a touch charry. Lush, plush and exotic on the palate, deep-pile, compact, smooth tannins, just enough freshness to balance the rich generosity. The finish is beautifully dry-tasting, the tannins melting on the long finish.
  17.5/20 points
  Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

  Delivery Information
• • 99

  2011 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2013. Outstanding inky black purple colour with very deep black purple hue that stains the sides of the glass. Nosing results in an intense aromatic sniff of liquorice allsorts, morello cherry and blackberry infused with beautifully integrated fine brandy spirit followed by some vanilla, raisins and spice. Thick, luscious and ultra rich flavours of liquorice, blackberries and morello cherries fully encompass every crevasse of the palate followed by some fine old brandy spirit, subtle raisins and spice. Dry finish. The wines outstanding power and concentration are perfectly counterpointed by firm seemingly assertive tannins that provide some grip yet are obscured by the Ports overwhelming richness and density. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, morello cherry, raisins, fine brandy spirit and spice aftertaste.
  Cellar 20-30 years plus (2024 - 2034)
  Alc 20%

  Other Reviews... The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.
  97-99 points - Neal Martin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

  Massive, concentrated and powerful, this offers lush, heady flavors of dark plum, blackberry and cherry tart, with touches of anise. Shows plenty of grip as well, featuring a long, rich finish of dark chocolate, toffee and cream. Best from 2040 through 2060. From Portugal.
   -K.M. 98 points - Wine Specatator

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 96
  • 98
  • 97
  • 97

  2016 Fonseca Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
  On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
  97 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
  96 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
  98 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $195. 00

  Bottle

  $2340.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2018-2020)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Totally opaque dark red purple colour with deep dark red purple hue. The nose displays aromas of marzipan, liquorice, spice, raisins and fine old brandy spirit. The palate is a super concentrate of liquorice, raisins, aniseed and black cherry with a warm spicy brandy finish displaying exceptional depth. Very long liquorice, aniseed, marzipan and spicy warm brandy aftertaste. Bottled in 2005.
  Cellar 8-10 years (2018-2020).
  20.5% Alc

  Other Reviews...
  Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I’ve ever encountered, it coats the taster’s palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom. Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060
  96+ points
  Pierre Rovani – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  Fonseca Waterloo Edition Finest Reserve Port

  PORTUGAL

  $44. 99

  Bottle

  $539.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2021-2023)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Impenetrable midnight black colour with a deep dark crimson red black hue. Aromas of Morello and black cherries are intertwined with liquorice notes underpinned by some raisins and very fine brandy spirit. Very rich, luscious flavours of Morello cherries and liquorice swamp the front palate with underlying fine brandy spirit, subtle marzipan and spicy raisins. The finish is a touch warm with a medium to long aftertaste of ripe Morello cherries, liquorice, brandy spirit, marzipan and spice.
  Drink over the next 6-8 years.
  Alc. 20%

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2009 Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port

  PORTUGAL

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2021-2023)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Late bottled Vintage Port is bottled later than a Vintage Port and since it spends a longer time in wood is ready to drink earlier. The Fonseca Unfiltered LBV is aged in oak vats, where it gradually matures. It is then drawn off into bottle with no fining or filtration.

  Magnificent totally impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark crimson red black hue. The nose displays intense liquorice, blackberry and black cherry top notes followed by some marzipan, finely integrated spirit and spicy raisin end notes. Rich, full bodied and luscious the palate is packed with flavours of liquorice and Morello cherries followed by some marzipan and Christmas cake with a very spicy finish. There’s a touch of heat present with firm but finely integrated tannins. Long aftertaste of liquorice, Morello cherries, marzipan and spicy Christmas cake.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc 20%

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2007 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2020-2025)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque black purple colour with deep purple hue. The nose is a little subdued with aromas of liquorice, morello cherry, raisin and spice emerging followed by a very fine brandy spirit end note. The palate displays superb concentration with mouthfilling flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry with perfectly integrated very fine brandy spirit. Excellent length with very fine grained tannin structure. Very long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed, ripe spicy blackberry and brandy spirit with a dry finish. Bottled in 2009.
  Cellar 10-15 years (2020-2025)
  20.0% Alc

  Other Reviews….
  The 2007 Fonseca Vintage Port is opaque purple-colored with a high-class perfume of lavender, Asian spices, pencil lead, incense, and an amalgam of black fruits. On the palate it is voluminous with layered, succulent fruit, outstanding density, and excellent integration of tannin, acidity, and alcohol. The long finish and the wine’s impeccable balance suggest a lengthy evolution and a drinking window extending out to 2045.
  94 points
  Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 99

  2011 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (750ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $145. 00

  Bottle

  $1740.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Of the three classic vintages declared in the last decade, 2011 is set to cast a long shadow over 2003 and 2007, re-affirming that this is indeed a golden buying opportunity to secure these superb and rare fortifieds.

  Bottled in 2013. Outstanding inky black purple colour with very deep black purple hue that stains the sides of the glass. Nosing results in an intense aromatic sniff of liquorice allsorts, morello cherry and blackberry infused with beautifully integrated fine brandy spirit followed by some vanilla, raisins and spice. Thick, luscious and ultra rich flavours of liquorice, blackberries and morello cherries fully encompass every crevasse of the palate followed by some fine old brandy spirit, subtle raisins and spice. Dry finish. The wines outstanding power and concentration are perfectly counterpointed by firm seemingly assertive tannins that provide some grip yet are obscured by the Port's overwhelming richness and density. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, morello cherry, raisins, fine brandy spirit and spice aftertaste.
  Cellar 20-30 years plus (2024 - 2034)
  Alc 20%

  Other Reviews... The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.
  97-99 points - Neal Martin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

  Massive, concentrated and powerful, this offers lush, heady flavors of dark plum, blackberry and cherry tart, with touches of anise. Shows plenty of grip as well, featuring a long, rich finish of dark chocolate, toffee and cream. Best from 2040 through 2060. From Portugal.
   -K.M. 98 points - Wine Specatator

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2001 Fonseca Porto Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port 375ml

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2016-2018)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port is produced only when a general Fonseca declaration is not made, as this wine forms the backbone of a Fonseca Vintage Port blend. The decision to bottle a Quinta do Vintage is taken when the wine is judged to be of exceptional quality. The wine will spend two years ageing in vat before being bottled and will be released when it is ready to drink, normally 10 years after the harvest.

  Bottled in 2003, the colour is holding up well displaying an opaque dark crimson red colour with dark red mauve hue. The nose displays lifted aromas of liquorice allsorts, marzipan and spice with a leather end note emerging. The palate possesses great concentration with flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry overlaid by a warm spicy brandy spirit showing some heat on the finish. Long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed and raisin.
  Cellar 6-8 years to allow further integration of the spirit (2016-2018)
  Alc 20.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 96
  • 98
  • 97
  • 97

  2016 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
  On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
  97 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
  96 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
  98 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2007 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2020-2025)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque black purple colour with deep purple hue. The nose is a little subdued with aromas of liquorice, morello cherry, raisin and spice emerging followed by a very fine brandy spirit end note. The palate displays superb concentration with mouthfilling flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry with perfectly integrated very fine brandy spirit. Excellent length with very fine grained tannin structure. Very long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed, ripe spicy blackberry and brandy spirit with a dry finish. Bottled in 2009.
  Cellar 10-15 years (2020-2025)
  20.0% Alc

  Other Reviews….
  The 2007 Fonseca Vintage Port is opaque purple-colored with a high-class perfume of lavender, Asian spices, pencil lead, incense, and an amalgam of black fruits. On the palate it is voluminous with layered, succulent fruit, outstanding density, and excellent integration of tannin, acidity, and alcohol. The long finish and the wine’s impeccable balance suggest a lengthy evolution and a drinking window extending out to 2045.
  94 points
  Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  1988 Fonseca Porto Guimaraens Vintage Port

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2018-2020)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  In years when Fonseca does not ‘declare’ a classic vintage, it selects the finest grapes from its own vineyards to produce a small quantity of this wine, which is made exactly as a declared Fonseca Vintage.

  Opaque dark red colour with deep brick red hue. Lifted nose with aromas of marzipan, liquorice allsorts, raisins and spice with beautifully integrated spirit. The palate is evolving very slowly and is still looking quite youthful with flavours of liquorice, aniseed and spice followed by fine old brandy spirit showing some heat on the finish. Velvet smooth tannins with very long aftertaste of spicy brandy spirit, liquorice and raisin. Bottled in 1990.
  Cellar a further 8-10 years (2018-2020)
  Alc 20.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2001 Fonseca Porto Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2016-2018)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port is produced only when a general Fonseca declaration is not made, as this wine forms the backbone of a Fonseca Vintage Port blend. The decision to bottle a Quinta do Vintage is taken when the wine is judged to be of exceptional quality. The wine will spend two years ageing in vat before being bottled and will be released when it is ready to drink, normally 10 years after the harvest.

  Bottled in 2003, the colour is holding up well displaying an opaque dark crimson red colour with dark red mauve hue. The nose displays lifted aromas of liquorice allsorts, marzipan and spice with a leather end note emerging. The palate possesses great concentration with flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry overlaid by a warm spicy brandy spirit showing some heat on the finish. Long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed and raisin.
  Cellar 6-8 years to allow further integration of the spirit (2016-2018)
  Alc 20.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 99

  2011 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port Magnum (1500ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2013. Outstanding inky black purple colour with very deep black purple hue that stains the sides of the glass. Nosing results in an intense aromatic sniff of liquorice allsorts, morello cherry and blackberry infused with beautifully integrated fine brandy spirit followed by some vanilla, raisins and spice. Thick, luscious and ultra rich flavours of liquorice, blackberries and morello cherries fully encompass every crevasse of the palate followed by some fine old brandy spirit, subtle raisins and spice. Dry finish. The wines outstanding power and concentration are perfectly counterpointed by firm seemingly assertive tannins that provide some grip yet are obscured by the Port's overwhelming richness and density. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, morello cherry, raisins, fine brandy spirit and spice aftertaste.
  Cellar 20-40 years plus (2024 - 2044)
  Alc 20%

  Delivery Information
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  • Reduced

  2016 Graham’s Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  Reduced from $220.00

  $210. 00

  Bottle

  $2520.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Graham’s Vintage Port is inky black in colour. The bouquet is voluminous and intense, the aromas almost shrouding your head! Blackberry, black olive, clove and a touch of smoke, just a hint of pencil box in the background. The palate is brilliant, quite brilliant. Supple tannin, a satin-like texture, perfect balance and unerring purity, this is a fabulous Graham’s that effortlessly fans out and caresses the senses on the finish. This Graham’s has huge potential and is going to give a lot of pleasure for many years. Drink 2026 - 2080.
  96 Points
  Neal Martin - Antonio Galloni’s Vinous (May 2018)

  Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end.
  99 Points
  JamesSuckling.com (November 2018)

  The 2016 Vintage Port is a blend of 37% Touriga Nacional, 42% Touriga Franca and various others. It comes in with 115 grams of residual sugar. A bit bigger than Dow's this year, this is more intense as well. The better wine of these two benchmarks seems to be this Graham's. Tight on the finish, aromatic and very flavorful, this actually opens rather well and shows off its lovely fruit. The Dow's will be approachable a bit earlier, perhaps, and this may reward aging even more. As always, Graham's is wonderfully delicious. That's one hallmark of the house. I'm not sure this is a truly great Graham's, but at the moment, it is enticing, with plenty of potential for improvement. Drink 2025 - 2070.
  95 Points
  Mark Squires - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (July 2018)

  This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055.
  98 Points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator (December 2018)

  Super-ripe with an expressive plum and dark chocolate aroma. Rich opulence backed by dark chocolate intensity and spicy tannic grip – big and bold on the finish. Voluptuous with fabulous richness, big and bold on the finish. This is one for the long haul but it’s already very impressive. Drink 2030 - 2055.
  98 Points
  Richard Mayson - Decanter.com (May 2018)

  This finely structured wine is powered by fine tannins and rich fruits. A touch of acidity comes through the rich berry flavors and the concentration of the dark tannins. This wine will certainly age, don't drink before 2028.
  97 Points
  Roger Voss - WineEnthusiast Magazine (December 2018)

  All the Symington wines had exceptionally deep colours. This one has a particularly deep blackish-purple, still with a blueish hue. On the already-expressive nose I found prunes, something floral and a note of balsam, plus lots of freshness. Relatively open on the palate too. Rather elegant and the hugely sweet fruit almost covers a massive charge of silky tannins. This is almost like a sweet, tannic table wine. Pure and polished. Sweeter than most. One of those wines that some people might easily persuade themselves could be drunk relatively young, Satin textured. Drink 2040 – 2065.
  17.5+ / 20 Points
  JancisRobinson.com (May 2018)

  
  

  Delivery Information
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  • 97

  2017 Graham’s Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  The 2017 Graham’s Vintage Port was picked from August 28 at Malvedos, though production is one-third less than the previous year. Here the Touriga Franca was particularly early ripening. It has an expressive nose, a mélange of red and black fruit, fig jam, dates and touches of clove, aromatics that are very seductive if perhaps just missing the intellectual capacity of the Dow’s. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, a gorgeous Graham’s with hints of espresso and cloves that tincture the multi-layered fruit that veers towards black rather than red towards the finish that fans out without a care in the world. This is perhaps one of the more flamboyant Vintage Ports that is likely to drink earlier than the Dow’s, yet that takes nothing away from what is a beautifully crafted Graham’s. Drink 2030 - 2070.
  95 Points
  Neal Martin - Antonio Galloni’s Vinous (May 2019)

  Wow! Amazing aromas of crushed blackberry and blueberry, stems and rose petal. Entrancing. Full-bodied, very tight and powerful with ultra-fine tannins. Intense richness of crushed berries, chocolate, hazelnut and coffee. 5,250 cases. Try after 2026.
  97 Points
  JamesSuckling.com (May 2019)

  The 2017 Vintage Port is a blend of 35% Touriga Nacional, 47% Touriga Franca and various others, including a blend from old vines. It comes in with 113 grams of residual sugar. It was bottled about a month before this tasting, but the just-bottled sample was not really ready. This is a pre-bottling sample instead.
  One of the more aromatic ports here, this is laced with cistus and eucalyptus. Lush in texture and concentrated, it was actually showing well at the time of this tasting—notwithstanding some power and pop. The more it aired out, though, the more power it showed. Even so, this remains a rather refined and suave Graham's. I'd call it subtly sexy. It does put on weight with some aeration, though, and there is that muscle underneath, so don't dive in too soon. Drink 2027 - 2070.
  97 Points
  Mark Squires - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (July 2019)

  Lush and inviting, with waves of cassis, melted red licorice, plum preserves and boysenberry reduction coursing through, carried by a velvety structure that lets this flow wonderfully. Flashes of apple wood and tar score the finish, which ends with authoritative cut. This is serious. Best from 2035 through 2055.
  97 Points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator (December 2019)

  Based on Touriga Franca from south-facing slopes at Quinta dos Malvedos, with Touriga Nacional from quintas Vila Velha and Vale de Mealhadas (both predominantly north-facing), topped out with fruit from old vines at Quinta da Tua and 10% Sousão. It's a very deep blue-black colour with an expressive, super-ripe nose of plum, mint and bergamot which springs from the glass. The palate is rich, velvety and voluptuous in typical Graham’s style. The initial richness makes the tannins, which show up on the ripe, broad, mouthwatering finish. Wonderful purity and definition. A real wow of a wine! 3.9 Baumé. Drink 2035 - 2060.
  98 Points
  Richard Mayson - Decanter.com (June 2019)

  The wine is packed with glorious black fruits that have immense backing tannins. It has a succulent edge of juicy acidity that sears the tannins and promises a great future. Drink from 2031.
  97 Points
  Roger Voss - WineEnthusiast Magazine (December 2019)

  Black core with narrow crimson rim. Glorious fruit intensity of tangy wild berries. Sweet elderberry and hedgerow and a touch of oaky/biscuit spice in the empty glass, dark chocolate. Immense concentration of pure fruit, deep layers of velvet, and yet the fruit is fresh. Fills the mouth with luxury. No dried-fruit flavours this year. Deep and endless fruit, the tannins are rich rather than powerful, deep and rounded, so smooth. Mouth-wateringly tangy finish. Drink 2030 – 2070.
  18.5 / 20 Points
  Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com (May 2019)

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2010 Graham's Quinta dos Malvedos Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $115. 00

  Bottle

  $1380.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  Fine and ripe, this is a sweet—while also complex—wine from Graham's flagship estate. Its tannins lead easily to ripe flavors of black plum and berry juice, resulting in a wine that is firm, full bodied, fruity and generous.
  93 Points
  Roger Voss - WineEnthusiast Magazine

  Deep shaded crimson. More reticent on the nose than the Dow's Quinta do Bomfim 2010 but there is clearly a lot there. Very sweet start with tannin and liquorice on the palate. This is much less evolved than the Dow's 2010 single quinta port. This will probably reach greater heights but I would ideally age it a bit longer. Sweet start but dry finish, though overall its remarkably refreshing and well made. Drink 2023 – 2033.
  17+ / 20 Points
  JancisRobinson.com (November 2021)

  Delivery Information
• 1994 Graham's Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews…
  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
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

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• 2017 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $34. 99

  Bottle

  $419.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 19.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes from producer....
  Our LBV is aged for 4 to 6 years in large wooden vats. The winemaking and ageing methods were chosen to match the selection of wines which make up the LBV: full-bodied red Ports stemming from a single vintage. LBV or Late Bottled Vintage is a category of Port wines which became popular in the 60s, filling the gap between Ruby and Vintage Ports. The extended ageing period of the LBV allows it to show a rounder and mature character –this wine can therefore be enjoyed young, soon after bottling.
  2017 will be remembered for its intense heat and record low levels of rainfall. In spite of the dry weather, flowering and bud burst developed under good conditions, and in August and September the high day temperatures and cool nights allowed for even and gradual ripening. The decision to start harvesting early, at optimum ripeness, allowed us to harvest grapes in ideal condition, with fantastic natural acidity. At the Vale de Mendiz winery, harvest began on 24 August under perfect weather conditions, with musts displaying intense colour and a powerful character. The last grapes were harvested on 26 September.
  Dark ruby in colour with a red rim, this LBV brings dark chocolate aromas to the foreground, along with fruits of the forest and a spicy character. It offers medium weight on the palate with firm structure and acidity providing superb freshness and ending in a spicy, warming finish. The wine is drinking beautifully now, with great freshness and primary fruit in evidence, but it will also benefit from further cellaring for a couple of decades.

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• 1997 Niepoort Quinta do Passadouro (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  No tasting notes available

  Delivery Information
• 1997 Niepoort Quinta do Passadouro

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $39. 99

  Bottle

  $479.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  No tasting notes available

  Delivery Information
• 2004 Noon V.P. Vintage Port (500ml)

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Noon's V.P. is a single vintage wine, bottled after 18 months maturation in barrel and suited to further bottle ageing. Fruit is sourced from estate grown bush-vine Grenache planted in1934 with average yields around 1.5 tons/acre.

  Drew Noon comments, "Many of our V.P. customers like to cellar this wine and at 10 years old it is rich and smooth. However we do not discourage our more enthusiastic (typically younger) consumers from drinking their V.P. early as it is also delicious as a young wine. Being made from 100% old vine Grenache this wine does not have the firmer tannins often found in young fortifieds produced from Shiraz, Cabernet or some of the traditional Portuguese port grape varieties.".

  Notes from the winemaker...Last tasted: April 2007 as part of a V.P. vertical line up in preparation for this website. This wine is still in its primary stage. It has a complex and attractive nose showing a lot of rich, dark fruits. The palate is focused and pure, showing sweet fruits balanced by a near perfect marriage of acid, tannin and brandy spirit. Very good length of flavour. Simply, a good young V.P. with plenty of potential for bottle ageing. Optimum drinking time: 2010 to 2020

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• 2001 Noon V.P. Vintage Port (500ml)

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 19.7%

  Closure: Cork

  Noon's V.P. is a single vintage wine, bottled after 18 months maturation in barrel and suited to further bottle ageing. Fruit is sourced from estate grown bush-vine Grenache planted in1934 with average yields around 1.5 tons/acre.

  Drew Noon comments, "Many of our V.P. customers like to cellar this wine and at 10 years old it is rich and smooth. However we do not discourage our more enthusiastic (typically younger) consumers from drinking their V.P. early as it is also delicious as a young wine. Being made from 100% old vine Grenache this wine does not have the firmer tannins often found in young fortifieds produced from Shiraz, Cabernet or some of the traditional Portuguese port grape varieties.".

  Notes from the winemaker...Last tasted: April 2007 as part of a V.P. vertical line up. Excellent cork. This wine displays a medium red colour with some orange hues showing its development. The nose shows some bottle aged characters, with cinnamon, cherry jam and caramel notes. There is a lovely ripe sweetness of fruit on the palate that is well balanced by the brandy spirit which gives a dry spirity finish. This wine has excellent length and shows a warm year opulence and ripeness about it, in similar fashion to the 1997 V.P. Optimum drinking time: Already quite mature. Drink now to 2012.

  Delivery Information
• 2002 Noon V.P. Vintage Port (500ml)

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Noon's V.P. is a single vintage wine, bottled after 18 months maturation in barrel and suited to further bottle ageing. Fruit is sourced from estate grown bush-vine Grenache planted in 1934 with average yields around 1.5 tons/acre.

  Drew Noon comments, "Many of our V.P. customers like to cellar this wine and at 10 years old it is rich and smooth. However we do not discourage our more enthusiastic (typically younger) consumers from drinking their V.P. early as it is also delicious as a young wine. Being made from 100% old vine Grenache this wine does not have the firmer tannins often found in young fortifieds produced from Shiraz, Cabernet or some of the traditional Portuguese port grape varieties.".

  Notes from the winemaker: Last tasted: April 2007 as part of a V.P. vertical line up. Impressive colour – very deep (much deeper than the 2001) and still holding a purple hue. A terrific nose rises from the glass of blackberries and red currants along with some floral notes (violets) and licorice. Smells complex and inviting. It is a powerful and youthful wine packed with sweet fruit and is reminiscent of a younger version of the 1998. An outstanding V.P. Optimum drinking time: 2010 to 2022 (try it with almond biscotti).

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2000 Peter Lehmann The King Vintage Port

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 10 Years (2019-2024)

  ABV: 19%

  Closure: Cork

  Matured from 60% Touriga Nacionale and 40% Shiraz grapes and matured for 12 months in oak. Opaque black dark red colour with dark red hue. The nose is quite closed upon opening with faint aromas of liquorice, black cherries, dried raisins, dried fig and spice slowly emerging and gradually building in intensity. The palate is filled with rich raisin and liquorice flavours over a fine brandy spirit background with some marzipan and spice also present. Dryish finish with a solid tannin structure. Long aftertaste of raisins, liquorice, brandy spirit and spice.
  Cellar 5-10 years.
  Alc 19%

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  1999 Seppeltsfield 21 Year Old Para Tawny

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20.8%

  Closure: Screw Cap

  Other Reviews....
  There is no other fortified winemaker in the world able to match the range and sheer quality of the Seppeltsfield portfolio laid down in 1874 (and nourished each year thereafter), headed by the sublime 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny. If this '99 wine were to remain in barrel for another 80 years it would bear resemblance to the 100 Year Old. This perfumed wine has wonderful texture and structure, a mesmerising array of perfumed shortbread, Christmas cake, raisins, butterscotch, intensely rich and sweet until the edge of rancio simultaneously makes it even more complex, yet cleanses the finish.
  97 Points
  James Halliday's Wine Companion (March 2020)

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• • 97

  2000 Seppeltsfield 21 Year Old Para Tawny

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $94. 99

  Bottle

  $1139.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 20.8%

  Closure: Screw Cap

  Other Reviews....
  Grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre; matured 21 years in old oak hogsheads; fortified with brandy spirit. The legendary fortified outfit of Seppeltsfield achieves epic levels of complexity even in single-vintage blends. All the profound power, detail and impeccable balance we've come to expect, but what truly sets off the millennium vintage is line and length that hover unwavering for more than 60 seconds. Absolutely splendid.
  97 Points
  Tyson Stelzer - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2021)

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• 2009 Stanton & Killeen Vintage Fortified

  Rutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 18%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes from the producer....
  Lifted mulberry, black plum and aniseed aromas followed by fresh upfront flavours of cloves and plum with subtle sarsaparilla and black pepper finishing with firm tannins. Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Shiraz, Durif and Tinto Cao. Careful cellaring of up to 20 years or more will reward a patient wine lover. 

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• 1990 Stanton & Killeen Vintage Port

  Rutherglen, Victoria,

  $16. 95

  Bottle

  $203.4 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  This is a wine for the future - for when that moment eventuallyarrives, say 2010, what ever you do, don't drink the lot in onego. Drinking a bottle of Vintage Port in one sitting is apractice that belongs to the three bottle club of the 18thCentury and is where it should remain! Produced from shirazgrapes planted in 1921, grown on Jack's Block this wine hasalready won 2 Trophies, 5 Golds and 4 Silvers. Deep brick redcolour. The nose is restrained and will blossom with time -working it up, reveals delightful marzipan, almond, ripe plumsand spicy raisins. The palate is concentrated, with rich raisinplum fruit flavours superbly balanced with beautiful brandyspirit and firm tannin grip. The spirit provides the backboneand lasts well into the aftertaste - its mouthfilling warmsensation is well juxtaposed to the marzipan notes. Amagnificent port - just be patient!\Z

  Delivery Information
• • 96

  2011 Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

  Oporto, PORTUGAL

  $44. 99

  Bottle

  $539.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2017-2025)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Late bottled Vintage Port is bottled later than a Vintage Port and since it spends a longer time in wood is ready to drink earlier. It needs no decanting and will remain in good condition for several weeks after the bottle is opened.

  Outstanding totally impenetrable inky black core with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense aromatics of liquorice and ripe black cherries laced with marzipan and fine brandy spirit rise out of the glass followed by hints of vanilla, faint earth and spice. Rich, luscious and thickly textured the palate is coated with liquorice, succulent blackberries and ripe black cherries fused to a combination of marzipan and well integrated brandy spirit with some raisins and spice on the dry finish. Superb viscosity, concentration and power with a long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberries, ripe black cherries, subtle raisins, marzipan and spicy brandy spirit.
  Drink over the next 6-8 years.
  Alc 20%

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• • 94

  2012 Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port

  PORTUGAL

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2018-2024)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Outstanding pitch black in colour with a deep dark red black hue. Lifted liquorice, Morello cherry and marzipan aromas fill the nostrils followed by hints of raisins, fine old brandy spirit and spice. Rich, viscous mouthfeel with flavours of liquorice allsorts, Morello cherries and marzipan flooding the mouth. Underlying elements of spicy raisins and confectionary are also apparent. Firmish tannins with well integrated brandy spirit. Long aftertaste of liquorice, Morello cherries, infusions of marzipan, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 20%

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  2016 Taylors Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2018 this stunning vintage Port displays a magnificent saturated inky black core with a very deep bright dark red black hue. Potent aromas of ripe Morello cherries and liquorice allsorts waft out of the glass followed by a mix of vanillin confectionary, marzipan and spicy raisined brandy spirit. Rich and luscious yet elegant and long with a feeling of freshness on the finish, the palate is engulfed with Morello cherry and liquorice flavour that show incredible power. Finely integrated brandy spirit, vanillin characters, raisins and subtle spicy marzipan provide complexity. Firmly built tannins are clearly present and a touch more drying than those of the Fonseca, providing some grip to the intense fruit. The epic, hedonistic aftertaste lingers on the palate long after the wine is swallowed.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port was originally seen about a week before bottling in a more unsettled incarnation. It is now in the USA and showing in a rather forward fashion for Taylor's. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. This is a pleasure just to smell, with its hints of herbs, eucalyptus and blackberries. Some more time in bottle has made this a classic Port from start to finish in terms of aromatics and flavors. In my almost-40-year history of Port drinking, Taylor's was and is always one of my benchmarks for what a Port should taste and smell like. This delivers all that in spades.
  Now, it is not the most powerful or massive Taylor's. Dry and a bit tense after it sat in the glass for an hour, this finished with moderate bang and pop a couple of hours later. I've certainly seen young Taylor's with more intensity. A creature of its vintage, it is a very elegant Port with a touch of understatement. It shows off focus and freshness more than jammy richness. If it is not quite as tightly wound as in some years, the typical profile is still there and the structure is still very good. Indeed, some two days after opening it did not lose any power. The Fonseca is probably more powerful in the Fladgate Group offerings in this vintage (and, perhaps, the somewhat deeper Taylor's balances the tannins differently), but the fruit here is even more gorgeous and seductive. Indeed, the fruit is often sensational, the biggest bragging point here. I gave it a couple of extra days open to be sure just how lovely it was. It was particularly closed on the first pours, when many young Ports are exuberant. It eventually became far more expressive. How you evaluate this will depend on what you most want in Port. If you want that old-school vibe, perhaps Fonseca will serve you better this year. If you want to drool over sensational fruit, this will work just fine. You'll think I'm being stingy.
  Given how precocious it seems just now—it certainly won't make your mouth turn immediately to cotton and your tongue seize up—the fruit is so good that some will dare to drink it now. (If you do, you can unfriend me on Facebook and the rest of social media, not that I'm judgmental or anything.) Harmony and complexity will still take time; there is no shortcut for complexity and harmony. Overall, the purity and flavor make this rise above the crowd. How far above still remains to be seen. I'd like to see more proof of development here around 2030, more evidence that this will fulfill all of its potential.
  96 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  In 2016 Taylor's began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost "arching" structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port. Production is 6,200 cases.
  97 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor's I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.
  100 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This is packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors that play off one another, melding with anise, fruitcake and ganache notes. A warm tarry edge coats the finish, revealing an echo of bramble. A seriously grippy, strapping Port, this revels in its power. Best from 2032 through 2055. 6,200 cases made.
  98 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 97
  • 100
  • 96
  • 98

  2016 Taylors Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2018 this stunning vintage Port displays a magnificent saturated inky black core with a very deep bright dark red black hue. Potent aromas of ripe Morello cherries and liquorice allsorts waft out of the glass followed by a mix of vanillin confectionary, marzipan and spicy raisined brandy spirit. Rich and luscious yet elegant and long with a feeling of freshness on the finish, the palate is engulfed with Morello cherry and liquorice flavour that show incredible power. Finely integrated brandy spirit, vanillin characters, raisins and subtle spicy marzipan provide complexity. Firmly built tannins are clearly present and a touch more drying than those of the Fonseca, providing some grip to the intense fruit. The epic, hedonistic aftertaste lingers on the palate long after the wine is swallowed.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port was originally seen about a week before bottling in a more unsettled incarnation. It is now in the USA and showing in a rather forward fashion for Taylor's. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. This is a pleasure just to smell, with its hints of herbs, eucalyptus and blackberries. Some more time in bottle has made this a classic Port from start to finish in terms of aromatics and flavors. In my almost-40-year history of Port drinking, Taylor's was and is always one of my benchmarks for what a Port should taste and smell like. This delivers all that in spades.
  Now, it is not the most powerful or massive Taylor's. Dry and a bit tense after it sat in the glass for an hour, this finished with moderate bang and pop a couple of hours later. I've certainly seen young Taylor's with more intensity. A creature of its vintage, it is a very elegant Port with a touch of understatement. It shows off focus and freshness more than jammy richness. If it is not quite as tightly wound as in some years, the typical profile is still there and the structure is still very good. Indeed, some two days after opening it did not lose any power. The Fonseca is probably more powerful in the Fladgate Group offerings in this vintage (and, perhaps, the somewhat deeper Taylor's balances the tannins differently), but the fruit here is even more gorgeous and seductive. Indeed, the fruit is often sensational, the biggest bragging point here. I gave it a couple of extra days open to be sure just how lovely it was. It was particularly closed on the first pours, when many young Ports are exuberant. It eventually became far more expressive. How you evaluate this will depend on what you most want in Port. If you want that old-school vibe, perhaps Fonseca will serve you better this year. If you want to drool over sensational fruit, this will work just fine. You'll think I'm being stingy.
  Given how precocious it seems just now—it certainly won't make your mouth turn immediately to cotton and your tongue seize up—the fruit is so good that some will dare to drink it now. (If you do, you can unfriend me on Facebook and the rest of social media, not that I'm judgmental or anything.) Harmony and complexity will still take time; there is no shortcut for complexity and harmony. Overall, the purity and flavor make this rise above the crowd. How far above still remains to be seen. I'd like to see more proof of development here around 2030, more evidence that this will fulfill all of its potential.
  96 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  In 2016 Taylor's began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost "arching" structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port. Production is 6,200 cases.
  97 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor's I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.
  100 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This is packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors that play off one another, melding with anise, fruitcake and ganache notes. A warm tarry edge coats the finish, revealing an echo of bramble. A seriously grippy, strapping Port, this revels in its power. Best from 2032 through 2055. 6,200 cases made.
  98 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2005 Warrabilla Reserve Vintage Port

  Rutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 10 Years (2024-2024)

  ABV: 19%

  Closure: Cork

  Produced from Durif grapes. Outstanding impenetrable midnight black colour with a very deep black crimson hue. Scents of liquorice, black cherry and black plum arise from the glass followed by some raisin and light leather nuances. On the palate rich morello cherry and liquorice flavours combine with beautifully integrated fine old brandy spirit finishing with a touch of raisins and some spice. Dryish finish with solidly built but very fine grained tannins. Long morello cherry, liquorice, spicy fine brandy spirit and raisin aftertaste.
  Cellar 10 plus years.
  Alc 19%

  Delivery Information