Graham's 'Quinta Dos Malvedos' 2018 Single Quinta Vintage Port

Graham's 'Quinta Dos Malvedos' 2018 Single Quinta Vintage PortCountry: Portugal Region: Douro Varietal: Touriga Nacional Blend Colour: Red Style: Fortified Dessert Producer: Graham's Quinta dos Malvedos is Grahams principal estate and this is the first time we have ever bottled a single estate Late Bottled Vintage Port. The consistency of quality of the wines from Malvedos is such that in Vintage declarations they form the principal component of Grahams classic Vintage Ports. The Quinta: Quinta dos Malvedos has

Country: Portugal Region: Douro

Varietal: Touriga Nacional Blend

Colour: Red Style: Fortified/Dessert

Producer: Graham's

Quinta dos Malvedos is Graham’s principal estate and this is the first time we have ever bottled a single-estate Late Bottled Vintage Port. The consistency of quality of the wines from Malvedos is such that in Vintage declarations they form the principal component of Graham’s classic Vintage Ports.

The Quinta:
Quinta dos Malvedos has been the cornerstone of Graham’s Vintage Ports ever since it was acquired in 1890. The estate still contains large areas of traditional vineyard laid out on terraces supported by dry-stone walls, built by hand in the 18th century. The 160- hectare estate is particularly well-sited in a zone of transition from the Cima Corgo to the Douro Superior subregions of the Douro Valley, bringing together the best of both, it enjoys reasonable rainfall and abundant sunshine. The vineyard is predominantly south-facing and the ample hours of sunlight provide even and complete grape ripening, resulting in very well-balanced wines.

The Vintage:
"Although 2018 started off very dry, with the soils parched by the previous year’s rainfall deficit, the spring heralded abundant rain with the months between March and June all recording above-average precipitation. Soil water reserves were amply replenished, a good position to be in for the vines’ growing and ripening cycles. The wet, cool spring and generally unsettled atmospheric conditions continued into the summer and resulted in a diminishing of the crop size. Inevitably, the growth cycle of the vine was delayed by a few weeks, but a hot and dry August put maturations back on track. Climatic conditions in early September favoured an even and complete ripening of the berries with good levels of acidity that are reflected in the wines’ balance. Yields were very low, but that favoured the high quality that the wines from 2018 reveal."
(Charles Symington, Douro, October 2018)

Tasting Notes:
Quinta dos Malvedos 2018 LBV has exquisite bergamot and orange blossom aromas with subtle notes of dark chocolate. The impressive palate shows dark forest fruits with beautiful structure, acidity, and freshness. This special 2018 LBV is extremely accessible with soft tannins and pairs perfectly with mature cheese and dark chocolate desserts.