2015 declarations

[uncle tom]

So with the Symingtons, TFP and Sogrape all declaring their SQs for 2015, it now looks certain that we are not looking at a split declaration, but a general declaration for 2016.

- I wonder whether the Symingtons will also declare a 2016 Cockburn?

[jdaw1]

The end of the line for the smaller Symington brands: not Smith Woodhouse; nor Gould Campbell; nor Quarles Harris; nor Martinez.

Please post a link for the Sogrape declarations.

Cockburn’s total seems to be 3500+110+33+33⅓ = 3676⅓ dozen.

[DRT]

After the 2015 vintage there was general contentment that it was 'good enough' to declare, but there was a lack of real excitement. It was also evident that the four year gap since the 2011 vintage meant that a declaration was needed, and the vintage was being banked as a declaration long before the 2016 vintage showed its hand.

So with the Symingtons, TFP and Sogrape all declaring their SQs for 2015, it now looks certain that we are not looking at a split declaration, but a general declaration for 2016.

I suppose time will tell, but given the widespread problems with the 2016 harvest I think it is rather too early to be certain or even hopeful of a general declaration.

[uncle tom]

I suppose time will tell, but given the widespread problems with the 2016 harvest I think it is rather too early to be certain or even hopeful of a general declaration.

My reasoning is that if the Syms and TFP were not confident that 2016 would make the grade, they would have declared '15. It does seem likely though, that a 2016 general declaration will have some well known smaller producers absent from the party - some of those who got their spraying regimes awry suffered grievously in 2016.

It is very bad news for a small producer to have to miss a general declaration, or be faced with offering a wine that is going to be severely outgunned by the big names. I do hope that the decision to pass on 2015 was entirely driven by quality, rather than marketing tactics..

[Andy Velebil]

I suppose time will tell, but given the widespread problems with the 2016 harvest I think it is rather too early to be certain or even hopeful of a general declaration.

My reasoning is that if the Syms and TFP were not confident that 2016 would make the grade, they would have declared '15. It does seem likely though, that a 2016 general declaration will have some well known smaller producers absent from the party - some of those who got their spraying regimes awry suffered grievously in 2016.

It is very bad news for a small producer to have to miss a general declaration, or be faced with offering a wine that is going to be severely outgunned by the big names. I do hope that the decision to pass on 2015 was entirely driven by quality, rather than marketing tactics..

I've heard very mixed things about 2015. There were ripening issues due to the overall weather during the year and during harvest. What I've been hearing from a variety of sources, 2015 has turned out not to be anywhere near as good as first expected during harvest and shortly after. Small issues tend to come to the front quickly as they spend a winter or two in barrel.

2016 was difficult due to the start/stop nature of it and the overall slow ripening during the year. However, if one had the patience and resources to wait and pick only those grapes which were ready were rewarded with some awesome musts. It's probably safe to make the assumption that many small producers, who don't have block planting and/or the means to upend their normal picking patterns, ended up with not so good musts from 2016. That's a short and somewhat simple explanation but 2016 really was a year where the larger companies with more resources* have probably turned out far better musts.


*resources include money, labor, ability to pick only small sections of their vineyards when they were actually ripe, then coming back to other sections later, space to ferment and store small lots of musts, etc.

[Axel P]

Dont have a link for Sogrape, talking to people.

Sogevinus does Burmester Arnozelo and Calem (full)

Axel

[Axel P]

Quinta Nova
Dalva
Cruz
Quinta do Ventozelo

[Axel P]

Grahams Malvedos

Dow Bomfim

Both for later release.

[christopherpfaff]

there was already a lot of talking about the vintageyear 2015.

I talked to

Dirk Niepoort,
Francisca van Zeller &
Tiago Alves de Sousa

some weeks ago and produced a little video with their statements:

https://youtu.be/zomvyFb1WZ4

[g-man]

So with the Symingtons, TFP and Sogrape all declaring their SQs for 2015, it now looks certain that we are not looking at a split declaration, but a general declaration for 2016.

- I wonder whether the Symingtons will also declare a 2016 Cockburn?

was just at a 2015's release tasting with Rupert and Charles.

they did tell a story about h ow Cockburn likes to release certain odd years.

[g-man]

oh i'll add that the Symingtons gives their warm regards to my fellow forumites.

[Axel P]

Although they send out samples, Andresen decided last week not to bottle.

-1

Axel

[Axel P]

Seara d'Ordens and Churchill Quinta da Gricha

Axel

[Axel P]

Just back from the Douro... It seems that some producers are still in line to have their Ports approved. Some even are doing it for the second time. I have some problems with that as all of their 2014 have passed at the first time and are a lot weaker in style.

So we are looking for quite some producers to bottle/ declare soon.

Axel

[Axel P]

There are two Niepoorts:

Label Niepoort Vintage Port 2015 CS (7).JPG (108.65 KiB) Viewed 34097 times

[Andy Velebil]

Just back from the Douro... It seems that some producers are still in line to have their Ports approved. Some even are doing it for the second time. I have some problems with that as all of their 2014 have passed at the first time and are a lot weaker in style.

So we are looking for quite some producers to bottle/ declare soon.

Axel

So you're saying they aren't being approved the first time being tested? As I've said on FTLOP, generally speaking I don't think 2015 is turning out that great after all. Of course some gems will no doubt be produced as is almost always the case, just speaking generally.

[Axel P]

Actually I am saying that I have no problems at all with the 2015 Vintage Ports. Just tasted the Niepoorts yesterday: http://worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/Niep ... poort.html

I do not understand why some of the producer's 2015s are not approved at the first time, but their 2014s were, although the 2014 were the weaker Ports.

From what I have seen so far, it will be a fantastic year and the Port industry is giving away some potentially great PR, but I also understand why some producers are reluctant to declare two or more years in a row.

Axel

[Glenn E.]

although the 2014 were the weaker Ports.

I think it's difficult to say that in general. 2014 produced some superb Port - or could have - but you had to harvest at exactly the right time and get a little bit lucky. I was surprised and disappointed that Graham did not bottle a 2014 Stone Terraces, because we tasted it on the Harvest Tour and it was splendid though of course very young. I guess the 2015 version was simply even better, so they chose to declare 2015 instead. But that then in turn makes me wonder about 2016... and what are Graham's plans for Stone Terraces? Would the declare 3 years in a row if they were all good enough? Or do they intend to release it more like a regular VP, or even more restricted like a VVV or VC super cuvee?

Anyway... I've heard many of the same things that Andy alluded to. 2015 is solid, but not great. Some will produce outstanding Port as is always the case, but it seems like generally speaking it's only maybe an above average year. It would be "good enough" to declare if they were desperate, but if 2016 is already looking better then it makes sense to wait.

[uncle tom]

I was surprised and disappointed that Graham did not bottle a 2014 Stone Terraces

There was a sudden scramble to get those grapes in before the rain, and although the PR people played the line of them being 'harvested in perfect condition' it required a leap of faith to believe that.

Graham are clearly taking the development of their new 'super cuvee' very seriously, and a willingness to set a high bar and not bottle those years that fail to excel is worthy of respect.

[Andy Velebil]

I was surprised and disappointed that Graham did not bottle a 2014 Stone Terraces

There was a sudden scramble to get those grapes in before the rain, and although the PR people played the line of them being 'harvested in perfect condition' it required a leap of faith to believe that.

And that appears to be exactly what Niepoort did with their grapes in 2015, no?

[Alex Bridgeman]

Anyone who I have not already contacted and who would like to be part of a collective purchase of either Noval's 2015 vintage port or SFE's vintage ports please drop me a PM or an email as soon as you can. Thanks.

[Axel P]

I did not have any astonishing 2014s yet, anyone?

[uncle tom]

I've not tried many, but so far none have been remarkable.

On my vintage weighting scale, which assesses both quality and significance and averages out at 1.0, I currently have it down as a 0.2

Previous years to score 0.2 include 1952, 1965, 1986, 1988, 2010 & 2012

[Glenn E.]

I was surprised and disappointed that Graham did not bottle a 2014 Stone Terraces

There was a sudden scramble to get those grapes in before the rain, and although the PR people played the line of them being 'harvested in perfect condition' it required a leap of faith to believe that.

That's not the way the story went when we were at Quinta dos Malvedos on the harvest tour in 2014. It was earlier than expected, yes, but the grapes were actually harvested comfortably before the rain so it wasn't a scramble. Whether or not they were in "perfect condition" is likely subject to typical winemaker hyperbole, but the grapes were pretty clearly harvested when they wanted to do it, not when forced to do it by impending weather.

Graham are clearly taking the development of their new 'super cuvee' very seriously, and a willingness to set a high bar and not bottle those years that fail to excel is worthy of respect.

I fully agree with this sentiment. But while I do still feel that 2014 was worthy of bottling, if 2015 was even better and they'd rather not bottle in successive years, then by all means bottle 2015 over 2014.

[uncle tom]

My impression is that they are not going to be squeamish about back to back Stone Terraces declarations, but that part of the strategy to eventually dethrone Nacional is to build up a catalogue of wines that is bereft of weaklings, by showing a greater willingness to blend away those vintages that are less than superb.

Whilst the lagar samples of the '14 may have looked really good, negative traits might easily have surfaced over the subsequent months..

[Glenn E.]

Whilst the lagar samples of the '14 may have looked really good, negative traits might easily have surfaced over the subsequent months..

Very true. I'm sure it is difficult to get a true impression of a VP from freshly bottled juice, so I have no doubt that things can change over that first year in bottle. It may not have been the original reason for delaying declaration for 18-30 months, but I'm sure it proves useful now that it is required standard practice.

[Axel P]

Quinta de La Rosa....

[jdaw1]

Ferreira Quinta do Porto

Please, what’s your source? Please email me if the source is non-public.

[Axel P]

This is fully public. I have the sample here:

Label Ferreira Porto Vintage Port 2015 (1).jpg (99.17 KiB) Viewed 18632 times

[Axel P]

vintage 2015.jpg (177.65 KiB) Viewed 18564 times

[Alex Bridgeman]

There have been a few new additions made to the list of 2015 ports, but the main reason for this latest post is to share a summary of an interesting conversation I had with the team from Vinko Vinhos. This is the company behind Barao de Vilar, Maynard, Feuerheerd and Palmer (and a few other names).

Vinko have decided to declare the 2015 vintage. They have made and bottled two blends. Barao de Vilar and Maynard are the same blend with different labels while Feuerheerd and Palmer are also the same blend but different labels.

Vinko also make a really good LBV, around 100,000 bottles per year (when made). About 40% of the volume goes to the UK market — almost entirely to Aldi.

[Axel P]

You are missing Javali: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... avali.html

S. Leonardo: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... ourao.html

Vallado, not tasted yet, sample in my cellar

Vale D. Maria: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... 15VDM.html

Van Zellers: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... 015VZ.html

Pocas: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... Pocas.html

Boeira: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... oeira.html

... and Alves de Sousa did Gaivosa and Alves de Sousa:

http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... Alves.html

http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... ivosa.html

[Alex Bridgeman]

You are missing Javali: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... avali.html

S. Leonardo: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... ourao.html

Vallado, not tasted yet, sample in my cellar

Vale D. Maria: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... 15VDM.html

Van Zellers: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... 015VZ.html

Pocas: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... Pocas.html

Boeira: http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... oeira.html

... and Alves de Sousa did Gaivosa and Alves de Sousa:

http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... Alves.html

http://www.worldofport.de/Wein/tasting/ ... ivosa.html

Thank you. The list on the first post has been updated.

Incidentally, as and when I come across ports from other vintages 2005 or later which do not appear on the relevant vintage lists thread, I am also updating those older lists. If anyone does encounter an older vintage not on the list (or possibly not on the list) either post it on the thread or drop me a PM.

[Axel P]

Quinta do Infantado also bottled...

[Alex Bridgeman]

Some updates from Axel's recent article now included in the list of known 2015 declarations.

[RonnieRoots]

Tasted at the London Wine Fair last week: Quinta da Côrte 2015.
They told me they will also declare 2016, but haven't done so yet (as of last week).

[Alex Bridgeman]

Tasted at the London Wine Fair last week: Quinta da Côrte 2015.
They told me they will also declare 2016, but haven't done so yet (as of last week).

Is that still Delaforce or is it now an independent producer?

[RonnieRoots]

Tasted at the London Wine Fair last week: Quinta da Côrte 2015.
They told me they will also declare 2016, but haven't done so yet (as of last week).

Is that still Delaforce or is it now an independent producer?

It was apparently never owned by Delaforce (which was news to me!), but the family who owned it sold to a French owner of several estates in 2012. 2015 was their first release (of Port, they also produce Douro DOC) and they also do a 10YO, which, I was told, comes from old stocks kept at the quinta. Some more info as found on their website:

For many years, when it was owned by the local “Pacheco & Irmãos” families, the Quinta produced grapes and occasional batches of wine which it sold to major Port producers such as Delaforce, Croft, Taylor’s and Ramos Pinto. It cruised along, with good years and bad years, doing just enough to keep things in the family. Although it was supplying wines which were good enough to be included in the incredible variety of blends produced by the firms with which it had contracts, it lacked the resources to achieve the kind of independence which its great terroir merited and to develop its own range.

In 2012 Philippe Austruy, the owner of several domaines in France and abroad, was looking for a domaine in the Douro. When he went to look at the Quinta da Côrte, it was love at first sight. The buildings were in a lamentable state, and a chronic lack of maintenance was everywhere in evidence, but the potential of the property was clear to see. It took more than a year to come to an arrangement with a multitude of heirs before the purchase was finalised, but by the end of 2012 the work could begin. The vineyard and the wine store were the first receive attention, and for the 2013 vintage the Quinta da Côrte produced a Douro red which already displayed the excellence of the terroir.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Quinta do Popa has just been added to the list (and to the lists for 2016 and 2017) having spoken with the team from Popa at the Wines of Portugal tasting on 27 February 2020 - just before the Coronavirus shut down Portugal and the UK.