2011 Port was an incredible vintage with a niveau of quality that we have yet to see again. The wines are bold, refined and precise, have beautiful balance, power, richness and symmetry.
The iconic wine writer and Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson wrote: "There is little doubt that 2011 produced some stunning vintage ports, into which more effort and skill has gone than any other previous vintage in the Douro. And I find it impossible to think of any other wine region, anywhere in the world, that produced better wines." "I have never been so excited by the launch of a clutch of vintage ports...The good thing is that port is in general is better made than ever before..." --A bold claim that withstood time's test and was echoed unanimously by Port producers.
"Ripeness and tannic structure characterize Port in 2011 which, despite difficult weather conditions, could rank as a legendary vintage in a new era of better winemaking and improved spirit quality," said Richard Mayson of Decanter Magazine.
The 2011 vintage was a special year with extraordinary circumstances. It had a rainy winter, a warm spring, followed by a hot summer, with the saving grace of rainfall to break the heat near early September before harvest. Winemaker Charles Symington of Symington Family Estates of Graham's and Warre's Port houses, said, "The conditions for ripening and harvesting were as good as perfect and almost unprecedented."
WINE ADVOCATE 95-97 POINTS - "The 2011 Graham’s comes from the five quintas that have been the source for many years (Malvedos, Tua, Vila Velha, das Lages and Vale de Malhadas). It represents a selection of the 131 pipes from a total production of 1,454 and is a blend of 40% Touriga Naçional, 31% Touriga Franca, 6% Sousão and 23% mixture of very old vines. It has a more “serious” bouquet compared to the Dow, with beguiling scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, tobacco and cloves. Straight-laced, very well-defined and compelling, the palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and supremely well-judged acidity. It is utterly harmonious, with a pure core of ripe black cherries, damson, marmalade, clove and spices, and the finish lingers long in the mouth. The separation of “The Stone Terraces” vines certainly does not appear to have detracted from a great Graham’s. 5,000 cases declared. Tasted May 2013."
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "Offers a decadently fruity aroma, with peppery accents to the cherry, raspberry and dark currant flavors that are lithe and juicy. Grippy tannins grace the mocha- and chocolate-infused finish. Best from 2025 through 2055. From Portugal."
JAMES SUCKLING 96 POINTS - "Aromas of licorice, wet earth and berries follow through to a full body, medium sweetness and a chewy finish. Real deal. Structured. 8,000 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine. Try after 2023."
JANCIS ROBINSON 18 (Out of 20) POINTS - "Declared by virtually all shippers. This year was saved by a little rain in August - the sugars rise again and the skins are softer, 'so you can extract beautifully'. Very deep dark, purplish crimson. Tea, liquorice, macerated prunes on the nose. High-toned with a dry finish. Very clean and brisk. Not yet particularly broad. [09/09/2016]"
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060
The iconic wine writer and Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson wrote: "There is little doubt that 2011 produced some stunning vintage ports, into which more effort and skill has gone than any other previous vintage in the Douro. And I find it impossible to think of any other wine region, anywhere in the world, that produced better wines." "I have never been so excited by the launch of a clutch of vintage ports...The good thing is that port is in general is better made than ever before..." --A bold claim that withstood time's test and was echoed unanimously by Port producers.
"Ripeness and tannic structure characterize Port in 2011 which, despite difficult weather conditions, could rank as a legendary vintage in a new era of better winemaking and improved spirit quality," said Richard Mayson of Decanter Magazine.
The 2011 vintage was a special year with extraordinary circumstances. It had a rainy winter, a warm spring, followed by a hot summer, with the saving grace of rainfall to break the heat near early September before harvest. Winemaker Charles Symington of Symington Family Estates of Graham's and Warre's Port houses, said, "The conditions for ripening and harvesting were as good as perfect and almost unprecedented."
WINE ADVOCATE 95-97 POINTS - "The 2011 Graham’s comes from the five quintas that have been the source for many years (Malvedos, Tua, Vila Velha, das Lages and Vale de Malhadas). It represents a selection of the 131 pipes from a total production of 1,454 and is a blend of 40% Touriga Naçional, 31% Touriga Franca, 6% Sousão and 23% mixture of very old vines. It has a more “serious” bouquet compared to the Dow, with beguiling scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, tobacco and cloves. Straight-laced, very well-defined and compelling, the palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and supremely well-judged acidity. It is utterly harmonious, with a pure core of ripe black cherries, damson, marmalade, clove and spices, and the finish lingers long in the mouth. The separation of “The Stone Terraces” vines certainly does not appear to have detracted from a great Graham’s. 5,000 cases declared. Tasted May 2013."
WINE SPECTATOR 96 POINTS - "Offers a decadently fruity aroma, with peppery accents to the cherry, raspberry and dark currant flavors that are lithe and juicy. Grippy tannins grace the mocha- and chocolate-infused finish. Best from 2025 through 2055. From Portugal."
JAMES SUCKLING 96 POINTS - "Aromas of licorice, wet earth and berries follow through to a full body, medium sweetness and a chewy finish. Real deal. Structured. 8,000 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine. Try after 2023."
JANCIS ROBINSON 18 (Out of 20) POINTS - "Declared by virtually all shippers. This year was saved by a little rain in August - the sugars rise again and the skins are softer, 'so you can extract beautifully'. Very deep dark, purplish crimson. Tea, liquorice, macerated prunes on the nose. High-toned with a dry finish. Very clean and brisk. Not yet particularly broad. [09/09/2016]"
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060