{"title":"Vintage \u0026 LBV Port","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eVintage Port is the pinnacle of the Douro. It is made only in the finest years, when a producer \"declares\" a vintage, and typically that happens just a few times a decade. After around two years in wood, the wine is bottled unfiltered, where it slowly evolves over decades. Young Vintage Port is dense and powerful, bursting with blackberry, plum, violet and firm tannins, while mature bottles soften into something silky and complex, with notes of dried fruit, spice, cedar and leather. Single Quinta Vintage Ports, made from a producer's top estate in non-declared years, offer a similar style and are often excellent value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLate Bottled Vintage, or LBV, is also the wine of a single year, but spends longer in wood before bottling, usually between four and six years. This extra time softens the wine and makes it ready to enjoy on release, with the same rich, dark fruit character in a more approachable form. Most LBVs are filtered, while traditional unfiltered examples will continue to develop in bottle much like Vintage Port.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eVintage Port and unfiltered LBV throw a natural sediment, so it's worth standing the bottle upright for a day and decanting before serving. Once opened, Vintage Port is best enjoyed within a few days, while LBV will keep a little longer. Both are classic partners for Stilton and other blue cheeses, dark chocolate and rich fruit-based puddings.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"0adfd74a-15dc-11ea-ef2a-048da6c56184","title":"Taylor's Vintage Port 2003","description":"\u003cp\u003eTaylor’s Vintage Port is one of the world’s great iconic wines. Made only in the very finest years – known as ‘declared’ vintages – Vintage Ports are blended from the best produce of the firm’s own estates of Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and more recently, Quinta do Junco.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorically Taylor’s has only declared about three Vintage years per decade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2003 Taylor’s has a lovely ripe, primal bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and marmalade that shows slightly better delineation than the Fonseca. The palate is medium-bodied with very composed, refined tannins that belie the heat of that summer. There is wonderful focus here and fine tension, the finish offering precise notes of black cherries, mulberry, cloves and white pepper. This is one of the finest Ports of a precocious vintage. Tasted May 2013.\u003cbr\u003e95 Points.\"\u003cbr\u003e(Neal Martin, Robert Parker The Wine Advocate # 207, June 2013)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40721141858461,"sku":"5013626116098","price":77.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/712cd4ff7a64e29a188e9593f8f667d8b544d258.png?v=1629121679"},{"product_id":"croft-vintage-port-2000","title":"Croft Vintage Port 2000","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn opaque core with limpid ruby rim. The nose is very dense, much more introverted than the nineties Crofts and the alcohol more integrated into bouquet. The palate is full-bodied, very firm in structure with a little more austerity than usual. Very good delineation although it does not quite have the exuberance or the flamboyance of the vivacious ’94. Conservative and foursquare towards the finish with an attractive hint of blood orange on the aftertaste. Good length.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43474987057387,"sku":"5602418000648","price":72.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/Croft-Vintage-Port-2000.png?v=1666018854"},{"product_id":"fonseca-guimaraens-vintage-port-porto-2012","title":"Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port Porto 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of Fonseca's earlier maturing vintage ports, this offers exceptional value for money. It is quite close in price to most good LBVs but much closer to Vintage Port in quality. A classic for a reason! \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43560496300267,"sku":"5013521100970","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/Fonseca-Guimaraens.png?v=1668617759"},{"product_id":"wine-soul-pintas-vintage-port-2020","title":"Wine \u0026 Soul Pintas Vintage Port 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The 2020 Pintas Vintage Port is a field blend from more than 40 different grapes from very old vines (around 90 years). It comes in with 110 grams of residual sugar and will be bottled in July 2021 after 19 months in old chestnut casks. It was the final blend and out of cask when I tasted it. In classic flavors, this is sensationally delicious, but there is also a backbone, though perhaps less fierce than normal. The winery is never shy in tannins, but right now this has the fruit in charge. I expect this to close down. When it is released, try keeping your hands off it, but if you dive in, you probably should do it early. Still, this is not quite as hard edged as the 2019, which I'd rate a little higher for what seems to be its formidable structure. This may have sexier fruit. Drink to 2070.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e94 - 96 points. Mark Squires, The Wine Advocate (August 2022)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA special vineyard of over 90 years old - the first the couple acquired in 2001 and named after their dear family dog of the same name ('Pintas' means 'Spots' in English).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine is a field blend of over 40 indigenous grape varieties. Hand harvested graoes, whole bunches were foot trodden in stone lagares. Ageing in old Port casks for 19 months, after which the wine was bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Quinta da Manoella vineyards are over a hundred years old, bordered on both sides by young vineyards that are 30 years old, some even more recent. Quinta da Manoella Vinhas Velhas was immediately recognized as one of the greatest wines of Douro.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine \u0026amp; Soul embodies the spirit of a new wave of top quality Douro Wines, sourced from very old vineyards, low yields, limited production showcase the character of each particular vineyard and the very special nature of each unique terroir. Wines crafted with minimum intervention, letting nature and terroir take the lead and speak for themselves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James Nicholson Wine Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44074946494699,"sku":"5600353700241","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/Wine---Soul-Pintas-Vintage-Port.png?v=1692280835"},{"product_id":"quinta-de-la-rosa-vintage-port-2019","title":"Quinta de La Rosa Vintage Port 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Racy and vibrant Port in the making here, with mouthwatering bramble and anise notes running along the edges of a lively mix of cassis, raspberry ganache and blackberry and fig paste notes. Lots of energy drives the finish, which is marked with a bold licorice snap note. Best from 2030 through 2050.\" 96 Points (James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Magazine, January 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James Nicholson Wine Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44272372383979,"sku":"5604846104752","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/Quinta-de-la-Rosa-Vintage-Port.png?v=1698855635"},{"product_id":"ramos-pinto-miniature-gift-set","title":"Ramos Pinto Miniature Gift Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThree 9CL bottles of Ramos Pinto Port. \u003cspan\u003eAdriano, 10 YO Tawny, Collector's Edition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James Nicholson Wine Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44352766410987,"sku":"15062","price":15.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/products\/Ramos-Pinto-Miniature.jpg?v=1700682508"},{"product_id":"grahams-vintage-port-2011","title":"Graham's Vintage Port 2011","description":"\u003cp\u003eGraham's Vintage Port 2011 is a wine of exceptional depth and complexity, showcasing the hallmark richness of this renowned house. In the glass, it displays an intense, deep purple colour. The nose is captivating, with layers of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, interwoven with floral notes of violets and hints of mint. Subtle aromas of liquorice and dark chocolate add further intrigue to the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with an opulent, velvety texture. The ripe dark fruit flavours are complemented by firm, well-integrated tannins that provide structure and balance. There is a refreshing acidity that lifts the richness, leading to a long, lingering finish filled with spice, black fruit, and a touch of minerality. This is a vintage Port with impressive aging potential, built to evolve beautifully over decades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wilkinson Vintners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51664129917306,"sku":"5010867404267","price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Graham_s_Vintage_Port_2011.jpg?v=1744112534"},{"product_id":"taylors-vintage-port-2009","title":"Taylor's Vintage Port 2009","description":"\u003cp\u003eTaylor’s Vintage Port is one of the world’s great iconic wines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 2009 Vintage Port showcases the robust character of the vintage, marked by its deep, inky black hue with a purple rim. On the nose, it reveals an intense purity, offering concentrated aromas of black woodland fruits, complemented by hints of raspberry, plum, and an intricate bouquet of citrus blossom, mint, and lavender. The vibrant, mineral-driven core is surrounded by fragrant herbal nuances, adding complexity to the wine's aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate, the Port bursts with ripe black fruit flavours, underpinned by thick, sinewy tannins that provide structure and depth. The fruit intensity carries through into the long finish, where it meets a firm, tannic grip. The 2009 vintage, with its low yields and hot, dry ripening season, produced a wine of immense scale and concentration, built to age gracefully, echoing the legendary Ports of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackish purple. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScore: 18\u003cbr\u003eJancis Robinson, Purple Pages\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51664130146682,"sku":"5013626114230","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Taylors-2003.png?v=1728480986"},{"product_id":"quinta-de-la-rosa-late-bottled-vintage-port-2019","title":"Quinta de La Rosa Late Bottled Vintage Port 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Late Vintage Port or LBV is so called because all the fruit is harvested from the one years crop is made entirely from grapes harvested in a specific year from a variety of vineyards. Although it cannot compete with Vintage Port in terms of intensity and concentration, the best LBVs of which this is one, boast ripe rounded fruit with a velvety character and a smooth finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike some producers Quinta de La Rosa do not filter their LBVs preferring to intervene as little as possible consequently there may be a slight sediment. A quality LBV such as this attempts to mimic vintage port in terms of character and style but ultimately at a more approachable price bracket and all without the need for many years of bottle ageing and the need to decant before enjoyment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAromas of mature fruit, violets and spices characterise this vibrant LBV. An exceptionally complex wine -rich but in great harmony, full of life and very long.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDelicious with dessert, especially chocolate, cheese or on its own\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James Nicholson Wine Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51893166113146,"sku":"5604846106305","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Quinta-de-la-Rosa-LBV-Port.png?v=1730998907"},{"product_id":"fonseca-vintage-port-2003","title":"Fonseca Vintage Port 2003","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough they can be enjoyed when young, Fonseca Vintage Ports will continue to improve in bottle for many decades. They have the stamina and aromatic potential to last for over a hundred years. Attracting the highest scores and auction prices, they are favoured not only by fine wine enthusiasts but also by collectors and investors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2003 Vintage Port was aged for 21 months in wood and comes in at 92 grams of residual sugar. This is another oldie rereleased now. The Taylor's may be burlier and fresher, the Croft more nuanced and complex, but of the trio of 2003s in this report, this might well be the winner today. (Then again, it might not be; the comparison was certainly fun.) It has the most elegance, freshness and nuance, far younger than the Croft and more ready than the Taylor's.\" 95 pts, The Wine Advocate\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51910373638522,"sku":"5013521101748","price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Fonseca-2000.png?v=1731687473"},{"product_id":"fonseca-quinta-do-panascal-2008-75cl","title":"Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 2008 75cl","description":"\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69063ebf-d478-8325-99b6-fd2fae75eaa1-0\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-14\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"e6c7a24f-eb00-487c-8470-2d5c88e90792\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"630\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 2008 is an expressive and finely structured single-quinta vintage port that captures the character of this renowned estate. Deep ruby in colour, it reveals an inviting bouquet of blackberry, plum, and cassis, intertwined with notes of violets, dark chocolate, and exotic spice. The palate is full and richly textured, with ripe black fruit flavours supported by firm yet velvety tannins and a well-judged freshness that adds balance. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of spice and dark cherry. It is a powerful yet graceful port that shows Fonseca’s hallmark depth and harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-center\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\" class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56162006204794,"sku":"17679","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Fonseca-Quinta-do-Panascal.png?v=1762884518"},{"product_id":"taylors-quinta-de-vargellas-vintage-port-2019","title":"Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eQuinta de Vargellas is pre-eminent among the wine estates of the Douro. Located in the wild and hilly eastern reaches of the Douro valley, it has been prized as a source of the finest Port wines since the 1820s. Today it ranks among the great vineyards of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e​Deep purple black with a narrow red rim and magenta highlights. The keynotes here are elegance and finesse. The nose is polished and precise, displaying very pure, bright fruit with predominant notes of raspberry and cherry and an attractive fresh grapiness. Surrounding this core of fine fruit are subtle botanical notes of bracken and underwood and scents of wild herbs and flowers. The palate is compact and racy, with wiry linear tannins galvanised by a powerful charge of acidity. The fine, ‘singing’ fruit which is the signature of the 2019 vintage re-emerges on the palate and extends into the long finish. As always with Vargellas, it is the distinctive fruit quality which stands out, combining focus and definition with a seductive complexity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56162006401402,"sku":"5013626112151","price":41.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Taylor-s-Quinta-de-Vargellas-Vintage-Port.png?v=1762884528"},{"product_id":"taylors-vintage-port-2007","title":"Taylor's Vintage Port 2007","description":"\u003cp\u003eTaylor’s Vintage Port is one of the world’s great iconic wines. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpaque, purple black colour with a narrow violet rim. Characteristically stylish and racy, with a nose of dense blackcurrant and woodland fruit overlaid with discreet herbal nuances and scents of violet and rose petals. As usual the classic Taylor elegance and understatement conceal the wine’s energy and vigour. On the palate it displays the lean, sinewy and tightly knit tannins which are so much a feature of the Taylor style and the vibrant and clearly delineated fruit flavours which are the hallmark of the 2007 vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56162006434170,"sku":"5013626113967","price":96.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Taylor-2007.png?v=1762884531"},{"product_id":"taylors-sentinels-vintage-port-2022","title":"Taylor's Sentinels Vintage Port 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage Port forms a natural deposit in the bottle and should be decanted. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA new unique blend crafted from wines produced on Taylor’s historic properties in and around the Pinhão Valley. This central region of the Douro Valley is one of the most historically significant areas for Port wine, recognized as the source of the finest Ports since the inception of the Port trade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe four estates—Terra Feita, Junco, Casa Nova, and Eira Velha—are all located within the original 1756 demarcation and were awarded feitoria status, the highest classification for Port vineyards. The name Sentinels is inspired by the granite pillars, known as “marcos de feitoria”, which stand guard along the demarcation line that separates the highest quality Port areas, and this is where many of the Taylor’s estates are situated. A total of 335 stone posts were placed between 1758 and 1761 to mark this prestigious area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these historic properties offers distinct characteristics in terms of altitude, orientation, sun, wind exposure, and mix of grape varietals. Despite their individuality, they share a distinctive 'Pinhão Valley' style—rich, deep, and powerfully fruity—that ensures a harmonious blend while each contributes uniquely to the wine's overall complexity and aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep purple black core with a narrow purple rim. An explosion of powerful woodland fruit, overlaid with a rich layer of blackcurrant, dark plum and cherries that jump out of the glass. The woodland fruit aromas are infused with subtle notes of dark cherry, hints of rockrose, a touch of mint and beautiful perfumed rose petals. The fruit is elegant and understated concealing the wines vigour and energy. On the palate the wine displays incredible freshness, purity of fruit and an attractive leanness, with a hint of lavender and herbal aromas. Laser focused berry fruits of damsons, plums and black cherries continue to build into the very long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mentzendorff \u0026 Co Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56162006466938,"sku":"5603081100741","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0516\/7146\/6141\/files\/Taylor-s-Sentinels-Vintage-Port-2022.png?v=1762884533"}],"url":"https:\/\/highburyvintners.co.uk\/collections\/vintage-lbv-port\/portugal.oembed","provider":"Highbury Vintners","version":"1.0","type":"link"}