Much has been written about the 2011 vintage Ports, only the third vintage declared in the last 12 years. The growing season left a great deal to speculation until harvest, with some fearing that the juice would ultimately be destined for commercial brands. Most Port houses were aware that it was a year when the oldest vines would prove to be the most successful as the summer was quite dry.
August proved to be the vintage’s savior, and the 2011s are already being praised for their classic style and structure, less fruit-forward than the last vintage, 2007. I was able to find out for myself on a recent evening when my husband hosted his brothers and close friends for the annual “Port and Cigars” evening at our home.
2011 Grahams Vintage Port is a balanced and pleasing blend of blackberry, citrus and spice with beautiful structure and an amazingly long finish which included a bit of a chocolate note. Though Port is typically thought to be something enjoyed after decades in the bottle, this is quite enjoyable now. It will only get better with time so those with a patient nature will certainly be every bit as pleased with it thirty years from now as the dozen or so men who sipped it this week.
Grahams has been a Port house since 1820, run by only two families in all of those years, and they were the first house to invest in its own vineyards, which include very old vines. Five Smythington cousins now run every aspect of this well respected and revered business. They are considered to be the most consistent producer of great Port in the era since the mid 1940s and rival the likes of Taylor and Fonseca though their style is slightly sweeter than these other houses.
At just $44.95 for a half bottle and a rating from Neal Martin of 95-97 points, 2011 Grahams Vintage Port is perfect for sipping with friends or for holiday gifting. We have a few cases in stock ready for leisurely autumn and winter evenings, special dinners or cellaring. We will most likely wait at least a few years for the next vintage to be declared so why not add this “classic” Port to your collection now?
“…the 2011s justify the hype that has fomented around their release. Collectively they form a delightful, occasionally profound set of young Ports with glistening futures ahead. While the fineness of the tannins and freshness may lure some to relish their precocious youth, there is no escaping the fact that few beverages surpass Port when they pass thirty years of age…Still, these are truly wonderful Vintage Ports that will reward extended cellaring. Declarations are, more often than not, promises that are kept.” - Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com