2018 Declarations

[Alex Bridgeman]

As has become traditional, we will report here any news we become aware of relating to declarations of Vintage Ports from the 2018 vintage.

• Alves de Sousa Gaivosa
• Alves de Sousa Oliverinha
• Barao de Vilar
• Borges
• Bulas (silver medal in 2021 DWWA Awards)
• Cadao from Mateus & Sequeira (415 cases)
• Delaforce Vintage Port
• DR Port, from Agri Roncao (250 cases)
• Feuerheerd

Gran Cruz:

• Cruz
• Dalva
• Quinto do Ventozelo

• Kranemann, from Quinta do Convento de Sao Pedro das Aguias (silver medal winner in the DWWA 2022) (268 cases)
• Heritage Porto & Douro
• Piano from Carlos Alonso (300 cases)
• Pintas by Wine & Soul
• Pocas
• Quevedo (420 cases)
• Quinta da Devesa (their first vintage release; 333 cases)
• Quinta da Gricha by Churchill (450 cases)
• Quinta da Oliveirinha
• Quinta da Pacheca
• Quinta da Pedra Alta (2066 bottles)
• Quinta da Rede
• Quinta da Romaneira (825 cases)
• Quinta das Carvalhas from Real Companhia Velha
• Quinta das Lamelas
• Quinta de la Rosa
• Quinta de Marrocos
• Quinta do Bom Retiro by Ramos Pinto PT ARTICLE VIDEO
• Quinta do Crasto
• Quinta do Javali Maria Luisa (111 cases) announcement
• Quinta do Noval (1,600 cases)
• Quinta do Pessegueiro
• Quinta do Portal
• Quinta do Portal Muros
• Quinta do Tedo
• Quinta do Tedo Savedra (DWWA 2022 silver medal)
• Quinta do Vale Meao (333 cases)
• Quinta do Vallado
• Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (112 cases)

Sogevinus:

• Barros
• Calem
• Quinta do Arnozelo from Burmester
• Quinta Sao Luiz from Kopke

Sogrape:

• Ferreira (1,200 cases)
• Offley (850 cases)
• Sandeman (1,200 cases)

Symington Family Estates:

• Cockburn Quinta dos Canais (3,000 cases)
• Dow Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira - (510 cases) to be released in 2020
• Dow Quinta do Bomfim (400 cases)
• Graham Quinta dos Malvedos (8,600 cases)
• Quinta do Vesuvio - (965 cases) to be released in 2020
• Warre Quinta da Cavadinha (3,000 cases)

The Fladgate Partnership:

• Fonseca Guimaraens (4,700 cases)
• Quinta da Roeda from Croft (2,000 cases)
• Taylor Vargellas (7,800 cases)

• Vista Alegre (silver medal in 2021 DWWA Awards)

Links to other vintages:
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

[rich_n]

As has become traditional, we will report here any news we become aware of relating to declarations of Vintage Ports from the 2018 vintage.

First to declare is Sogrape, who will be releasing Sandeman, Offley and Ferreira.

Well this is good news, I’d like to add Sandeman and Offley to my cellar if the budget allows.

Are there any indications that these are SQVPs? I have no idea what those houses are likely to produce.


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[Alex Bridgeman]

Well this is good news, I’d like to add Sandeman and Offley to my cellar if the budget allows.

Are there any indications that these are SQVPs? I have no idea what those houses are likely to produce.

From the few statements I've seen, it looks as though these are full house declarations and not single quinta releases.

[rich_n]

Well this is good news, I’d like to add Sandeman and Offley to my cellar if the budget allows.

Are there any indications that these are SQVPs? I have no idea what those houses are likely to produce.

From the few statements I've seen, it looks as though these are full house declarations and not single quinta releases.

Oh well that is even better news! I’ll be intrigued to see the early tasting notes.


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[nac]

Symington:

"It has selected two wines to release en primeur in 2020 – Quinta do Vesuvio and Dow’s Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, with each of these estates having delivered "unique expressions of the lifted aromas that characterise the year", said Symington.

The other Quinta Vintage Ports produced in 2018 – Quinta dos Malvedos, Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Cavadinha and Quinta dos Canais – will age in the Symington cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for future release, it added."

From Harpers - https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.ph ... ports.html

[Alex Bridgeman]

On the live-stream tasting this evening, Johnny confirmed that Churchill will be bottling a Quinta da Gricha 2018 but not a full Churchill blend.

He also announced that Churchill's will be introducing a 40 year old blend next year, when Churchill celebrate their 40th anniversary.

[Doggett]

He also announced that Churchill's will be introducing a 40 year old blend next year, when Churchill celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Does that mean they have bought In some older tawny to help produce an average age of 40YO? If so I wonder who/where provided that. Either way, I am sure it will be very good as I have enjoyed their other tawny blends.

[Glenn E.]

He also announced that Churchill's will be introducing a 40 year old blend next year, when Churchill celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Does that mean they have bought In some older tawny to help produce an average age of 40YO? If so I wonder who/where provided that. Either way, I am sure it will be very good as I have enjoyed their other tawny blends.

Remember that "40 Year Old Tawny Port" has nothing to do with its actual age. It's a flavor profile and nothing more.

Most TWAIOA do have an average age that is significantly older than what's on the bottle, but it isn't required. All Churchill's needs to do is acquire stocks that allow them to create a blend that tastes like a 40 Year Old is supposed to taste. The age matters not.

I even know a story of a producer who submitted a sample for testing that was slightly younger than the number on the label, but it was rejected because it tasted too old.

[/2alph]

Niepoort will not declare a VP or Bioma VP

[Alex Bridgeman]

Just seen a FaceBook announcement from Ramos Pinto that they will be declaring a Quinta do Bom Retiro 2018 Vintage Port. That's now added to the list with a link to the Portuguese article in Revista de Vinhos.

[DRT]

Does that mean they have bought In some older tawny to help produce an average age of 40YO? If so I wonder who/where provided that. Either way, I am sure it will be very good as I have enjoyed their other tawny blends.

The Case do Douro has vast stocks of surplus single harvest (and blended?) Ports going back many decades. That is a regular source of old tawnies for smaller producers and I suspect is where most of the recent proliferation of aged white Port has come from.

[akzy]

Taylor's have just declared. 3 in a row!
http://taylor.pt/en/news/taylors-declar ... ntage-port

[rich_n]

Taylors have just declared. 3 in a row!
http://taylor.pt/en/news/taylors-declar ... ntage-port

Wow, that’s got to be a first! Or at least the first time for a long time. I’m sure someone can tell me if this has been done before...

[akzy]

Wow, that’s got to be a first! Or at least the first time for a long time. I’m sure someone can tell me if this has been done before...

It's possible. According to 'The Book', there is a possible (JDAW rightly so describes as unlikely) 1859 Taylor's. If so, then there was at least 4 vintages in a row. 1857 is also unlikely, in which case, that's 5 possible years in a row.

[DRT]

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[DRT]

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[Axel P]

Oscar told me that he will also bottle...

[Alex Bridgeman]

I have just been advised Quinta da Devesa will be bottling 2018 as their first production of Vintage Port.

[Alex Bridgeman]

On an Instagram interview this afternoon, with themomsomm, Sandra Tavares said that she and Jorge are in the process of blending their Vintage Port but she was expecting they would be releasing a 2018 Vintage Port.

[Axel P]

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[Alex Bridgeman]

Sogevinus Vintage 2018_packshot small.jpg

Thank you. Added to the list.

[rich_n]

Oscar confirmed last night that Quevedo would be declaring with a release of 5,000 bottles:

https://youtu.be/zQB52LHtHAA

Just after the 14 minute mark.

[Alex Bridgeman]

On their 2018 Vintage launch call on Thursday 14th May, the Symingtons shared the news that the 2018 Ports would be bottled in 75cl with some 150cl also being filled. There would be a very small number of larger formats filled with Senhora da Ribeira and with Vesuvio.

No halves will be filled with 2018 Port.

They also shared with us that the Quinta das Canais is 80% Touriga Nacional and that the yields at Bomfim were very small indeed, less than 1kg of grapes per vine.

[Axel P]

Gran Cruz will also bottle 2018 VP under their brands Ventozelo, Dalva and Cruz.

Axel

[Alex Bridgeman]

I've just posted tasting notes for my first tasting of the Vesuvio and Senhora da Ribeira 2018 Vintage Ports.

[JacobH]

A new shipper, Kranemann have declared 2018. It’s based at Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias, although it’s not quite clear from the website whether it’s a SQVP. The name is from its owner—Christoph Kranemann—who seems to be an ophthalmologist who moved into wine production via. wine collecting as a hobby. They also advertise a 2009 but I wonder if that is old stock that has been re-branded.

[Alex Bridgeman]

On a webcast yesterday, Christian Seely announced that Noval had made 1,600 cases of the 2018 Vintage Port, being bottled in 75cl and a very small number of 150cl bottles. Christian also announced there was no Nacional made in 2018 due to a hailstorm which seem to centre on the Nacional parcel and decimated the crop that year.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Thanks to George for a little trail of breadcrumbs which has led me to add a couple of dozen names to the lists of releases from vintages between 2005 and 2018. Most of the lists have been edited to add a handful of names.

[PCM]

Quinta do Vallado has declared a 2018 Vintage Port, a field blend of a vineyard in the Torto Valley. The label says Vallado Porto Vintage 2018 (not Quinta do Vallado!).

[JacobH]

Some of the production volumes for 2018 seem tiny. I wonder if this a conscious decision by some of the producers to tweak upwards the frequency of declarations, even if only very small amounts of some are available?

I should say, I don’t think there is any attempt to declare more frequently without maintaining quality: with the proliferation of micro-climates throughout the Douro, there is any argument that if each shipper has access to enough vines, it ought to be able to get some grapes of vintage port quality each year (save, perhaps, 1993!). And, of course, with the huge investments in wine making facilities over the last couple of decades, it seems that many winemakers have an ability to ferment and fortify smaller batches can then be stored separately.

[rich_n]

Some of the production volumes for 2018 seem tiny. I wonder if this a conscious decision by some of the producers to tweak upwards the frequency of declarations, even if only very small amounts of some are available?

I should say, I don’t think there is any attempt to declare more frequently without maintaining quality: with the proliferation of micro-climates throughout the Douro, there is any argument that if each shipper has access to enough vines, it ought to be able to get some grapes of vintage port quality each year (save, perhaps, 1993!). And, of course, with the huge investments in wine making facilities over the last couple of decades, it seems that many winemakers have an ability to ferment and fortify smaller batches can then be stored separately.

There was storm damage in the spring that significantly reduced the amount of fruit on the vines in 2018, but the rest of the season was apparently extremely favourable so while the volumes are low the quality is supposed to be fairly high.

Alex posted tasting notes for a couple of cask samples and they both sound excellent.

[Glenn E.]

There was storm damage in the spring that significantly reduced the amount of fruit on the vines in 2018, but the rest of the season was apparently extremely favourable so while the volumes are low the quality is supposed to be fairly high.

Alex posted tasting notes for a couple of cask samples and they both sound excellent.

Yep. Apparently the damage at Noval seemed concentrated on and around the Nacional vineyard and basically wiped out the (potential) 2018 Nacional in one fell swoop.

[nac]

Just had first 2018 offer from Corney & Barrow.

Noval £270/6ib
Vesuvio £282/6ib
Dow Senhora Ribeira £126/3ib

[rich_n]

Just had first 2018 offer from Corney & Barrow.

Noval £270/6ib
Vesuvio £282/6ib
Dow Senhora Ribeira £126/3ib

I don't see those on their site, are they a restricted offering to existing customers/members? The Noval seems well priced considering previous years prices but that Dow SQVP price is surprising to me.

[nac]

Just had first 2018 offer from Corney & Barrow.

Noval £270/6ib
Vesuvio £282/6ib
Dow Senhora Ribeira £126/3ib

I don't see those on their site, are they a restricted offering to existing customers/members? The Noval seems well priced considering previous years prices but that Dow SQVP price is surprising to me.

Assume inital offering is to existing customers given the small volumes.

Also had same offer for Noval from J&B. They mentioned that the 2017 was released at £340/6ib.

[JacobH]

Surprisingly low or high? £126 for six in bond is £28.50ish DP. Isn’t that about par for undiscounted SQVP?

[rich_n]

Surprisingly low or high? £126 for six in bond is £28.50ish DP. Isn’t that about par for undiscounted SQVP?

I assumed from the post that it was for 3 bottles.

[JacobH]

Oh, sorry. Missed that. Unless they are magnums or its a typo then that does seem about double what you would normally expect!

[rich_n]

Oh, sorry. Missed that. Unless they are magnums or its a typo then that does seem about double what you would normally expect!

That was my thought!

[nac]

Surprisingly low or high? £126 for six in bond is £28.50ish DP. Isn’t that about par for undiscounted SQVP?

I assumed from the post that it was for 3 bottles.

Definitely £126/3ib. Suspect higher than expected price reflects small volume - 510 cases.

[JacobH]

Gosh. They must be aiming for completionist collectors with that price. I’ve felt SdR has been overpriced since I paid about £26 for (I think) the 2006 a decade ago, especially compared to the GQdM and TQdV...

[Doggett]

J&B have announced
Noval 2018 £270 for 6 ib Shipping August

but also re-releasing

Noval 2017 £340 for 6 ib Available now

[Axel P]

Visited former Quinta do Convento two weeks ago. Will now be bottled as Kranemann. Very good Vintage Port 2018 and a beautiful estate:

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[Axel P]

THE FLADGATE PARTNERSHIP PRESS RELEASE
2018 VINTAGE RELEASE

On 23rd April, Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft Ports – all members of The Fladgate Partnership - have, by tradition, announced whether they will release a Vintage Port and, if so, which wines they will bottle. The harvest of 2018 has produced an unusual situation with Taylor’s declaring a ‘Classic Vintage’, something that neither Fonseca or Croft are doing.

Commenting on the decision, Taylor’s managing director, Adrian Bridge said, “This is a year in which overall conditions were excellent but exceptional in the Douro superior. As Taylor’s is the only one of our companies with extensive land holdings in this part of the Douro, it has been able to make a Classic. All our properties are always farmed so that every grape has the potential of being made into Vintage Port.”

Head winemaker, David Guimaraens, added: “The Douro Superior enjoyed the combination of abundant ground water and hot summer weather which often produces great Vintage Port. It has given us the excellent phenolic maturity typical of a hot ripening season but the fine multi-layered fruit, fresh acidity we normally see in cooler years.”

Adrian resumed, “Although a Classic declaration normally only happens about three times a decade, the exceptional run of years has meant that Taylor’s is able to make a third in a row. This is very unusual but our principle is that we only declare a Classic Vintage when the quality is there and this is dictated by the year, not by any other consideration. Indeed, in view of the economic situation in which we find ourselves, we will bottle in July as usual but will not offer the wines until early 2021”.

Fonseca will release a 2018 Guimaraens Vintage Port, the first bottling under the Guimaraens label since 2015. Adrian Bridge remarked, “I am delighted that we are releasing Guimaraens Vintage from 2018. The Guimaraens concept is unique, a wine with the same make up and character as the classic Fonseca Vintages but made in a more approachable, early drinking style.” David Guimaraens added, “I believe that the 2018 is one of the finest recent examples of a Guimaraens Vintage, with its rich, dense woodland fruit and sturdy but well integrated tannins.”

Finally, Croft will release a 2018 single-quinta Vintage Port from its historic Quinta da Roêda estate. Adrian Bridge commented, “The Quinta da Roêda 2018 delivers the characteristic ripe fruit and scented quality which are the hallmark of the Roêda wines together with the taut tannins and freshness of the year.”

Commenting generally on the year, David Guimaraens noted, “The 2018 harvest has produced outstanding Vintage Ports, although the year was not without its challenges. These included the severe hailstorm which devastated many Pinhão Valley vineyards on 28th May including those of Taylor’s Quinta do Junco.” He added, “It is important to note that the 2018 wines have the highest colour intensity of recent vintages, always a sign of good extraction and longevity.”

[Axel P]

DR Port (Agri Roncao) with 3.000 bottles

[PCM]

Quinta do Vallado declared their 2018 Vintage Port ( see their Facebookpage, post of 14-6-2020)

[JacobH]

DR Port (Agri Roncao) with 3.000 bottles

That’s a new one for me. Have you had any of their Ports?

[/2alph]

DR Port (Agri Roncao) with 3.000 bottles

That’s a new one for me. Have you had any of their Ports?

Below average. Except their very old tawny...

[JacobH]

When I first read this, I thought you would be referring to their 30-40-year-old tawnies or some ancient colheitas but it turns out they actually make a Port called “Very Old”!

[JacobH]

A bit of chatter on Twitter revealed that Quinta da Pedra Alta are releasing at 2018 next year. Assuming the price isn’t insane, I might go for this since I haven’t bought and 2018 VP yet and none of the other options have really tempted me.