WARRE
2016
46% old vines from Quinta do Cavadinha, 37% Touriga Nacional, 17% Touriga Franca. 'The old vine juice gives a lighter palate presence, but we know how well they age, and the complexity that comes from these old vines', we are told. The tasting really confirms this. Very dark expression on the nose an intriguing spicy note. Delicacy on the entry that comes as a surprise after the full-on intensity of the Dow, but then a relaxed and very supple, beautifully-balanced middle and long, subtle finish. Lots of succulence, and it certainly has a lovely shape and length, and even if it is much less emphatic than Dow at this stage, it is composed and easy. Rating: 94-95 L&S (May 2018)
In Bond
75cl bottles (wood case of 6)
* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.
Gorgeous, with warm plum reduction and gently steeped raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors forming the core, all inlaid with warm ganache and smoldering tobacco accents. Very plush in feel, but has no lack of energy, as everything sails beautifully through the long finish. A late echo of anise completes the seduction. Drinking range: 2035 - 2055 Rating: 98 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Oct 2018)
The 2016 Vintage Port is a 46/37 blend from old vines and Touriga Nacional, with Touriga Franca making up the rest. It was bottled in May 2018 with 113 grams of residual sugar. The fruit on this is gloriously expressive and concentrated. It's classic and delicious, but it doesn't show the power and structure of the top wines. Charles Symington called it very elegant. Or, say, understated and approachable. It is pretty delicious, though, and I have to give this some props just because it is. Don't expect it to be the best ager in the group. Drinking range: 2020 - 2056 Rating: 91 Mark Squires, robertparker.com (Jul 2018)
The 2016 Warre’s Vintage Port was picked from 19 September, the harvest took 10 days longer than usual in order to gain optimal ripeness. It has a tightly-wound but compelling bouquet with intense black fruit laced with clove, nutmeg and touches of smoke. This is a Warre’s with great precision and detail. The palate is sheer class: saturated ripe tannin that belie the structure underneath. There is a symmetry about this Vintage Port and a tension that keeps you returning for more. Wow. This is one of the finest Warre’s that I have tasted at declaration. Bravo! Production is 4,250 cases. Drinking range: 2026 - 2070 Rating: 94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 2018)
Not quite as deep-coloured as Dow and Graham but almost! Very dark blackish crimson. Strongly aromatic with balsam notes. Smells as though this would be just the job with roast lamb somehow – in the same way as a redcurrant jelly. The acidity seems more marked than its grand stablemates Dow and Graham. Racy and sinewy. Drinking range: 2035 - 2060 Rating: 17.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2018)
Sophisticated and intellectually challenging, this is a very detailed wine and yet is does not jump out of the glass, preferring you to search for its flavours. While many 2016s show up-front appeal, the main thrust of the flavour in Warre’s is pushed back on the palate and this is a great sign for long-term ageing. Rating: 18.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2018)
Nearly 50% from old mixed vines from Quinta da Cavadinha in the Pinhão Valley and Quinta do Retiro in the Torto supplemented by Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca from Quinta da Telhada in the Douro Superior: open, pure, floral aromas (violets), totally charming at this stage, with lovely supple, seamless fruit, fresh and lithe with fine grained tannins building in the mouth. Beautiful wine with real poise and length. 4,250 cases produced. Rating: 18.5 Richard Mayson, www.richardmayson.com (May 2018)
Very complex with dried flowers and roses. Full-bodied, very layered and tightly wound. Chewy and powerful. Firm and off-dry. Needs five or six years to soften. Beauty. Try in 2024. Rating: 96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2018)
OFFER: All wines are offered subject to availability and final confirmation
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