“The keynotes of the 2016 vintage are purity, refinement and structure"
Adrian Bridge, Managing Director at Taylor’s
“If you were to write a recipe which included the finest ingredients possible to make a perfect vintage Port, then the 2016 vintage had each component in abundance."
Matthew Jukes
“There’s no question that 2016 is a superb vintage, as you would expect from one that is widely declared.”
Richard Hemming MW
It can be easy to forget that another major Fine Wine region is beginning to release wines from their latest vintage when Bordeaux En Primeur is at the forefront of everybody’s minds. With many houses in agreement that a general declaration should be made for the 2016 Port, it becomes the first since the incredible and classic 2011 vintage.
Following the London Big Fortified Tasting (BFT) on 9th May 2018, celebrated wine critic Jancis Robinson MW, remarked “the 2016s seemed to me a fine showcase for the continued sophistication of Port (and Douro) winemaking… They seemed particularly good at showing the characteristic individual personalities of each offering…”
It is always worth taking note when a general declaration is announced. This is only done when producers are extremely confident with the quality of the wine, and occurs just two or three times per decade. Rupert Symington, joint managing director of Symington Family estates also noted that “we realise the downside, by not offering a wine every year, is people tend to forget us. But when we do release a wine, it tends to make a splash”.
And make a splash it has. The quality of the vintage has been deemed exceptional but Adrian Bridge, Managing Director at Taylor’s mentions that “yields at the harvest were below average. The amount of 2016 vintage Port offered will be relatively restricted and allocations will be tight. The 2016s are likely to become rarities in the future, particularly given the trend towards enjoying vintage Ports young”.
With this being said, the 2016 Port represent a great opportunity to purchase some truly stunning wines for either investment or drinking in the future.
Graham's 2016 Vintage Port £310 per 6x75cl
"Infinitely layered and lasting for minutes on the palate I went back to taste this Port three times such was the magnetic appeal of its profound flavours. While this is a dense and indulgent wine it has exquisite freshness, too, and the balance is nothing short of perfect."
20/20 points. Matthew Dukes.
Dow's 2016 Vintage Port £310 per 6x75cl
"Without the flamboyance and showmanship of Graham’s this is a wine which might, by comparison, seem a little reluctant but this is not the case. Dow’s is controlled, detailed, very fine and it rolls along on the palate for an age. Classy, dense and self-confident, this is a darker-hued creation with calmness and concentration and it is a very successful wine in 2016.”
19+/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
Warre's 2016 Vintage Port £255 per 6x75cl
“Sophisticated and intellectually challenging, this is a very detailed wine and yet is does not jump out of the glass, preferring you to search for its flavours. While many 2016s show up-front appeal, the main thrust of the flavour in Warre’s is pushed back on the palate and this is a great sign for long-term ageing.”
18.5+/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
Taylor's 2016 Vintage Port £292.50 per 6x75cl
“An exuberantly floral wine with plum and liquorice in abundance, this is a tender and succulent Taylors with a surprisingly pliant and silky palate. A few shades darker than the 2011, but more welcoming and uplifting, too, this is a thrilling wine with clean finish and masses of unbridled energy.”
18.5+/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
Fonseca 2016 Vintage Port £292.50 per 6x75cl
“This is a powerful and slightly introverted wine with seriously impressive detail and a distinguished air. The tannins are present and they warn the taster that unlike the majority of the wines at this tasting Fonseca will require more patience to allow it to slowly come to life.”
18.5+/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
Cockburn's 2016 Vintage Port £225 per 6x75cl
“A delicious and lip-smacking Cockburn’s, this is a floral, perfumed and toned Port with bright tannins and layered fruit. It is fit, tidy and neatly packaged and it has enough energy and richness to last the long haul. Impressive from Cockburn’s this is set to be one of the finest wines from this House in recent releases.”
18.5/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
Croft 2016 Vintage Port £235 per 6x75cl
“With a little more foresty fruit and a tart finish, this is quieter wine than many with a tense thread of tannin from start to finish. This is another wine which will require a minimum of seven or eight years to soften sufficiently for it to be drunk.”
17+/20 points. Matthew Jukes.
All prices are In Bond. These wines will arrive later in the year.
Due to lower yields in this declaration, allocations will be small and we anticipate they will sell quickly.
If you would like to know more information on these wines and the Port 2016 declaration, please contact me in the office on 01325 776446 and I’d be happy to help.
