On Saint Georges’s Day the Fladgate Partnership - owners of some of the most renowned port houses in the world, namely Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft - declared 2009 as a vintage. Normally a great vintage comes along once or twice a decade but this is the 4th in the past decade for these houses, following on from 2000, 2003 and 2007.
2009 was a year that saw a dry summer, which resulted in low yields and great concentration. The vintage is one that is built to last and will repay long term cellaring.
“We haven’t seen colour intensity and tannic grip like this in over twenty years,” adds Head Winemaker, David Guimaraens. “The quality of fruit is also impressive and the wines have excellent acidity.”
Taylors 2009 is based on a blend from three valley sites, Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco, the latter (also of ‘fetoria’ status, the highest classifaiction for a port vineyard) made a small contribution, as in 2000. Fonseca 2009 is a blend of port from Quinta do Panascal (one of the first to practise organic viticulture) and Quinta do Cruzeiro with a small proportion of wine from Quinta do Santo, now under full organic certification. Croft 2009 is produced entirely from fruit produced in Quinta da Roêda. Lastly, there is the legendary single estate port from Taylor’s the Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Vehla 2009, a real collector’s wine.
2009 in a great vintage and should be a part of all great Port lover’s cellars. Please note that total volumes are very small and at this stage we will take any orders but will not be able to confirm precise allocations until later this year.
Taylor’s Vintage 2009 @ £395 per case (12×75) in bond Buy Now
Also available in:
6×75 @ £197.50 Buy Now
6×150 @ £395 Buy Now
12×37.5 @ £205 Buy Now
“Very dense black fruit nose, lush and sophisticated with tart-like tones - so inviting. Very succulent entry with gallons of fruit and acidity, real power on the mid palate with plenty of mocha, black cherry and blackberry fruits. Incredible length with so much definition and purity. It is very persistent on the finish and wonderfully fresh too.” Drink 2035+. Genesis Score 18+. Jancis Robinson 18
Fonseca Vintage 2009 @ £385 per case (12×75) in bond Buy Now
Also available in:
6×75 @ £192.50 Buy Now
6×150 @ £385 Buy Now
12×37.5 @ £200 Buy Now
“Very floral on the nose, enticing with its dark fruits and slight tones of violet – nuances of cherry and blackberry with a drop of cassis too. Nice juicy impact on the palate, fragrant and very attractive with loads of black fruit together with firm acidity. The tannins are round and warming in the mouth. With huge length on the finish and a little heat, there is plenty of flesh to support a long and fresh finish.” Drink 2028+ . Genesis Score 18. Jancis Robinson 17.5+
Croft Vintage 2009 @ £315 per case (12×75) in bond Buy Now
Also available in:
6×75 @ £157.50 Buy Now
6×150 @ £315 Buy Now
12×37.5 @ £165 Buy Now
“Very pretty nose, almost feminine. Jammy black and red fruits with hints of citrus. Warmer feel on the palate with very sweet Douro fruit softening the alcohol. This is very upmarket and very polished. Good tannic structure, bright acidity and great purity. Lacks the class of the Taylor and Fonseca but very good indeed. Drink 2023+. Genesis Score 17+. Jancis Robinson 17.
Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Vehla 2009 @ £265 per case (3×75) in bond Buy Now
“Far more subdued initially on the nose, then grows giving aromas of sweet black cherry and that touch of Taylor wood. Very pure and almost hedonistic. Big definition on the palate, very power and intense. Glorious black fruits, so polished with massive structure and excellent persistence on the finish. This goes on and on. Drink 2025+. Genesis Score 18.5+. Jancis Robinson 17.5
The wines are offered En Primeur and confirmation of orders will be in August/September. When confirmed we will forward an invoice and Certificate of Title. The wines will be shipped between December and January 2011/2012. Our normal en primeur terms and conditions will apply.
