I've had a few offers for the 2009 ports now.
Seckfords wrote:2009 Vintage Port Release
The Fladgate Partnership (Taylor, Fonseca et al) has announced the declaration of its 2009 vintage ports; this is its 4th vintage of the decade (following 2007, 2003 and 2000). The 2009s are structured for long-term ageing ”“ perfect for those with time in hand.
‟We have not seen colour intensity and tannic grip like this in over twenty years. In addition the quality of the fruit is impressive and the wines are supported by excellent acidity.” David Guimaraens, Head Winemaker.
Due to limited availability, stock is offered in 6-bottle cases (maximum one of each per order; please advise additional requirements) ”“ thank you
2009 Taylor’s ~ £200 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Taylor 2009 blend is based on the wines of Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta de Terra Feita. Located in the remote eastern reaches of the Douro Valley, Vargellas is known for its elegant, scented wines, with their fine focused fruit and well integrated sinewy tannins. The wines of Quinta de Terra Feita are full bodied, powerful and full of rich berry fruit flavour. They provide depth and volume to the blend. Since 2000, the firm’s third property, Quinta do Junco, has also made a small contribution to the blend and has done so again in 2009. Junco’s contribution to the Taylor vintage port blend is small but increasingly important. Its wines are massive in scale, lending an additional layer of density and structure to the blend.
Magenta coloured. An amazing nose, full of blueberries and lavender. Very smooth in texture, medium bodied even at this stage of life. Surprisingly refined for Taylor - less power and more finesse than I would have expected. Beautiful floral tones, a fantastic balance, intense levels of perfect fruit and tannins which are ripe and rounded make this an amazing port on the palate. The aftertaste is restrained and the finish slow to develop but eventually delivers a modest 50% cocoa chocolate and sour cherry combination that is extremely enjoyable. This is a beautiful and extremely impressive port and will certainly be one of the shippers I buy from this vintage.
93-95 points ”“ ThePortForum.com
Blackish purple. This, unusually, had the headiness of Fonseca 2009 on the nose and seemed more luscious and velvety than the Quinta da Vargellas Vinha Velha on the palate. Very rich, round and thrilling. Dense and pure. A bit of a schoolmaster in terms of straight back and firm structure. Very long, firm and thrilling - surely a long term bet with additional early charm, presumably from the exceptionally hot, dry vintage.
18 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2035-2070)
2009 Fonseca ~ £195 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Fonseca 2009 blend is based on wines from Quinta do Panascal and Quinta do Cruzeiro. There is also a small amount of wine from Quinta de Santo António, the first time that the estate has contributed to a classic vintage port blend since it was converted to organic viticulture. Blender Mario Araújo, who celebrates his 50th year working in the Fonseca tasting room, noted: ‘This is one of the most impressive young vintage ports that I can remember. In many ways it reminds me of the 1970 with its firm tannins and powerful fruit.’
More intense in colour than the Taylor 2009 shown alongside this wine. More restrained on the nose, none of the exuberance of the Taylor, but with a pleasing menthol freshness. Restrained and modest entry, lighter bodied than Taylor, but with a much more intense concentration of mid-palate fruit and more forward tannins. A little hollowness on the entry, but certainly not on the mid-palate which is fruit dominated and very impressive with big tannins. Spicy, cheek tingling aftertaste which is balanced, dry and of good length.
90-92 points ”“ ThePortForum.com
Blackish purple. Heady, opulent nose - really very winning indeed already! But on the palate there seems to be just a slight hole in the middle, a lack of sheer fruit weight. Long and vibrato on the finish though until an extremely dry note on the very end. This reminds me of a fortified version of a 2003 right bank bordeaux.
17.5+ points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2030-2050)
2009 Croft ~ £165 in bond per 6 bottle case
The Croft 2009 vintage blend is made up entirely of wines from Quinta da Roêda and displays the distinctive scented quality and rich round fruitiness which are the hallmarks of the estate’s wines. All the wine was made in traditional lagares. Head viticulturist António Magalhães remarked: ‘Roêda is a very large property. Although we have replanted extensively we can continue to draw from the historic parts of the vineyard, which are the essence of this unique terroir, for our vintage ports.’
Blueberries and pink grapefruit on the fruit lifted nose. Silky entry, light bodied with restrained ripe fruit and large tannins. The balance of the wine on the palate is extremely good and the acidity levels seem to be slightly below those in the Taylor and Fonseca wines. Liquorice dominates the aftertaste, which is the biggest aftertaste of the three ports, and is full of espresso, dark chocolate and concentrated sharp blackcurrant. Very different in style from Taylor or Fonseca and very tasty. Personally, I prefer this to the Fonseca.
91-93 points ”“ ThePortForum.com
Blackish crimson. Mellow, well-behaved nose. Very soft, ripe and sweet. Quite different from the Fonseca and Taylor in terms of build - less concentrated. Then the tannin and, especially, acidity rise up and take you unawares at the end of the palate. Just very slightly scrawny on the finish with a tiny hint of greenness. I'd lash out on one of the more serious ports from this stable.
17 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2020-2040)
2009 Skeffington ~ £120 in bond per 6 bottle case
Restrained on the nose, intensely perfumed and dominated by Gala melons. Smooth, medium-bodied entry initially with modest levels of fruit. Patience and air allows the fruit to blossom and the tannins to show. The fruit grows to surprising levels - an intriguing and intense mix of raspberries and blackcurrants. Curry powder tingles on the aftertaste before giving way to a long and powerful finish of blackberries. Could this be the bargain of the vintage?
89-91 points ”“ ThePortForum.com
Very deep purple with a notably 'warm' nose reminiscent of raisins. Notably high volatile acidity and masses of smudgy, pruney, sweet fruit. Much more evolved than the other 2009 vintage ports in the Fladgate stable. Relatively light on the finish with a peppery note. Not that persistent.
16.5 points ”“ JancisRobinson.com (drink 2020-2030)
• In bond price includes shipping to Melton (expected end 2011), but not the subsequent charges of excise duty, delivery & VAT. Prevailing rates will be charged at time of clearance from bond.
• Wine kept in storage will be subject to Seckford Wines’ annual Terms & Conditions of its Customer Storage Service.
• Offered subject to final confirmation ”“ payment with order please
• E&OE Seckford Wines May 2011
Fine & Rare have not emailed me, but their prices are:
Fine & Rare wrote:Vintage Port Red 2009 45 Cs Croft (12xHlv) 174.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 10 Cs Croft (Hlv) 346.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 25 Cs Croft (6xBt) 165.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 40 Cs Croft 329.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 50 Cs Croft (Mg) 329.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 44 Cs Fonseca (12xHlv) 210.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 8 Cs Fonseca (Hlv) 420.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 19 Cs Fonseca (6xBt) 200.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 27 Cs Fonseca 399.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 48 Cs Fonseca (Mg) 399.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 45 Cs Taylor (12xHlv) 216.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 5 Cs Taylor (Hlv) 431.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 26 Cs Taylor (6xBt) 205.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 28 Cs Taylor 410.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 48 Cs Taylor (Mg) 410.00
Vintage Port Red 2009 5 Cs Taylor's Vinha Velha (3xBt) 271.00
Farr Vintners have also released prices:
Farr Vintners wrote:2009 Croft HV 320.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Croft BT 310.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Fonseca HV 390.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Fonseca BT 380.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor HV 400.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor BT 390.00 cs
Vintage Port 2009 Taylor Vinha Velhas BT 1,080.00 cs
I also received a mail shot from
Bordeaux Index whose prices were Croft £320, Fonseca £390, Taylor £400
Interestingly, nothing yet from the Symingtons or from other niche producers.
Does anyone know whether Quevedo will be shipping a 2009 VP?
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.