Croft Port, 2017 Vintage Port
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Double Magnum (300cl)
*** 17.5/20 - Jancis ***
*** 94/100 - Vinous ***
*** 19/20 - Richard Mayson ***
Bottle size: 1x300cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
$381.84 USD
Description
Tasting Note
Dense inky core fading to a magenta rim. A seductive Croft nose, ripe and voluptuous but with the depth and density characteristic of the 2017 vintage. As usual, plump, juicy blackcurrant, black cherry and raspberry form the backdrop. However, the nose is soon drawn into a vortex of heady, complex aroma in which resiny scents of eucalyptus and gumcistus blend with pungent notes of sage and mint, fresh hints of grapefruit and a mellow spiciness. On the palate, firm, sinewy tannins are wrapped in a thick envelope of dense, velvety texture. As is often the case, this is one of the most exotic and beguiling wines of the vintage. However, it is also a weighty wine, dense and deeply coloured, with the concentration and stamina to ensure a long life in bottle. One of the finest Croft Vintages of recent years.
Learn more about Croft
Condition
new release
Reviews
JancisRobinson.com Score: 17.5
At least 50% of the fruit is from Roêda Serikosvineyard, a south-west-facing terrace on the right bank near Pinhão. TourigaNacional, TourigaFrancesa, Tinto Cão, TintaRoriz, TintaBarroca. TA 4.71 g/l, pH 3.78, RS 101 g/l. 3,900 cases.
Deep purple with wide purple rim. The most red-fruited of all the Fladgate 2017's so far but lots of sweet black cherry too. Much more gentle on the palate than the Fonseca and Taylor's and less obvious length, or at least much softer and chocolatey as it fades on the palate. This is all about the fruit and has lovely freshness and lively fruit purity. Mouth-watering finish of sweet-sour cherry flavours. (JH) 18 Drink 2026-4720
Vinous 94/100 (Neal Martin)
The 2017 Croft Vintage Port was picked from August 31, the earliest since 1945. Deep purple in color, the nose is initially standoffish, checking you out before opening intense black plum and crushed violet aromas, orange blossom and veins of Seville orange marmalade. Yet it is extremely well focused, disguising the warmth of the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with a luxuriant, velvety smooth opening that lacquers the mouth. Beautifully balanced, effortless even, it gently seems to roll across the senses towards its surprisingly controlled, clove and bayleaftinged finish that leaves a discrete tingling sensation on the tongue. Superb and probably one of the 2017 Vintage Ports that will drink sooner than others. Total production is 3,900 cases.Drinking window: 2025 –2060--Neal Martin Vinous.com
19/20 Ricard Mayson
Croft has developed its own rather ripe, voluptuous and rather jammy style in recent years, distinguishing the wine from the firmer, perhaps more challenging character of Fonseca and Taylor. Perhaps 2017 has been kind to Quinta da Roêdawhich provides the ‘cornerstone’ of this Port: surprisingly closed on the nose with plump juicy fruit underlying, ripe plums and cherries; similarly plump and voluptuous initially with a wonderfully ripe, broad tannic core rising in the mouth, dense and rather gorgeous all the way through to a fresh, vibrant finish. This has it all and maybe the wine of the vintage. RichardMayson.com