The latest vintage Port releases suggest that there is a lot for collectors to look forward to. Some are stating that 2017 could shape up to be a legendary vintage. 2017 follows up the exciting 2016 releases and intriguingly this is the first time since the 1880s that Port producers have done back to back vintages. Many are saying that the wines are quite different than those produced in 2016 and the growing seasons were extremely divergent.
2017 was quite arid compared to 2016 and the consistent heat led to an extremely early harvest. In fact, by the time that producers were done in 2017, they had just started in 2016. After some hot weather in June which affected some of the clusters, July cooled down and August was also quite moderate in temperature. Harvest was extremely early in 2017 which ironically negated some of the growers’ summer holiday travels.
The new Port release I tried were sensational. The 2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ Vintage Port (WWB, 96) is dense and shows incredible poise and class. This is one of the best I have ever had from this house. Even better is the scintillating 2017 Dow Vintage Port (WWB, 98) which is primarily Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, showing impeccable balance and purity. This beautiful wine is nowhere near ready but will be singing in five plus years. Here are my tasting notes from the new vintage Port releases that I sampled.
2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ Vintage Port-The 2017 Ferreira ‘Quinta do Porto’ is a single quinta vintage port, made from this historic house that dates back to 1771. Ferreira has created magical new wine sourced from their 24 hectare estate, this inky colored vintage Port show dense wild blackberry coulis and milk chocolate aromas that meld with shades of black licorice, lavender and exotic spices that all take shape in the glass. Viscous and intense, the wine shows an incredible power and concentration yet is highly poised and balanced. Gorgeous layers of deep black and red fruits mingle with shades of cinnamon and clove, Asian spices, tar and Black Forest cake on this outstanding palate. Full-bodied and full of depth, this is a mere infant now and will require some patience for several years. Drink 2026-2050- 96
2017 Croft Vintage Port- The 2017 Croft Vintage Port was aged for 20 months in French oak before bottling, as it weighs in at 97 g/l residual sugar. Largely sourced from the south-facing Quinta da Roêda estate, the wine begins with deep tar, leather, lavender and exotic spices that mingle with the intense black fruits on this expressive bouquet. The balance and silky texture really entices. While not massive, this offers rich dark fruits on the palate, with Christmas spicecake, Turkish coffee and molasses flavors that all sing in harmony on the palate. Give this beautiful wine at least five years before uncorking. Drink 2025-2050- 95
2017 Dow’s Vintage Port- The 2017 Dow’s Vintage Port is crafted from largely Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca (80%) grapes with a fair portion of Alicante Bouchet (8%) blended in. The nose is intoxicating with its blueberry cobbler, mocha, tar, lavender and anise aromas that all meld together in the glass. The stunning bouquet brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. The sense of balance and purity of fruit is truly amazing, as this pushes perfection with its dark chocolate shaving, blueberry liquor, espresso bean and shades of lavender puree. Exotic, and simply captivating, the wine has a seamless quality and a supple texture that truly shines. While a delight to savor now, this beautiful wine really needs at least five more years in the cellar to come into its own. Drink 2026-2060- 98