2018 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 2018 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 2018 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 2018 wine vintage was, overall, very successful. For Europe, the 2018 summer was a particular sizzler, in some cases rivalling that of 2003, and had a profound effect on many of the wine regions.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Fact: In 2018, the treadmill celebrated its 200-year anniversary. Originally, it was designed as a torture device. Some may argue it still is!!!
Eurovision Winner: Israel won with the song "Toy" by Netta.
Top Grossing Movie: Avengers: Infinity War.
Portugal: The 2018 Vintage is aptly described by wine makers as a "rollercoaster of a vintage". A drought throughout winter gave way to exceptionally high rainfall and hail in spring. This was followed by sporadic heatwaves throughout summer. Fortunately the spring rains had replenished the water table and the grapes were healthy when it came to selection. In an unusual year such as 2018, the winemakers skills and experience are critical in producing a good wine. Those winemakers who carefully selected grapes prospered. As a result, there is no defining characteristic of the vintage as a whole, such as would be found in a long hot summer. Instead there are some very interesting ports that are more representative of the terroir.
After a run of declared vintages 2016/17 it was highly unlikely that 2018 would be universally declared. Sandeman who did not declare their outstanding 2017 were the fist to declare a classic vintage. This was followed by Sogevinous (Calem, Kopke, Burmester, Barros), Quevedo and regular declarations from Vesuvio and Noval. Surprisingly Taylors declared their 2018 (following 16/17) but will not sell it until 2021. QUANTITIES ARE TINY. Whether it's due to careful selection, Corona virus or just a desire not to overload the market, producers have only produced a fraction of normal volumes (roughly 1/3 of normal production). Read more in our 2018 Vintage Port blog
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66 products found.
Comboio do Vesuvio, 2018
Douro Doc
There has been a station on the main line Douro railroad at Quinta do Vesúvio since 1887 and the trains that daily call there are very much part of the property’s day to day life. This railway forms part of Vesúvio’s rich heritage and when the Symington family decided to launch this third dry red wine from the legendary estate, it felt only natural to evoke the propitious coexistence between railway and vineyard. The ‘Comboio do Vesúvio’ (Vesúvio Train) is unoaked to underscore the wine’s youthful, fruit forward profile.
This unoaked wine has pure red fruit aromas and floral notes of rock rose and Mediterranean bush vegetation. …
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Price: £18.95
Stock: 4 in Stock
Croft Port, 2018
Quinta da Roêda
Half Bottle
***94 Points - The Wine Advocate***
Very deep purple black at the centre, with a narrow purple red rim. Although the nose displays the seductive, opulent red fruit character which is a familiar feature of Roêda vintage ports, there are also intense, woodland berry aromas which add focus and finesse. As usual, the fruit is wrapped in an envelope of exotic balsamic, minty, eucalyptus scents. The first impression on the palate is of roundness and a rich, velvety texture but there is excellent acidity and well-integrated grippy tannins which emerge on the finish. The finish is powerful and very long with persistent crisp, red berry flavours. …
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Price: £17.95
Stock: 26 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port
Single Bottle
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port
MAGNUM 1.5LT
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: £169.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port
DOUBLE MAGNUM 300cl
Special order Please allow 7 days for delivery
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: £495.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port in Presentation box
The 2018 Dow Late Bottled Vintage Port is made with grapes grown on the Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira vineyards. There are Aromas of blackberry and liquorice on the nose are complemented by notes of cocoa, mint, roses and peppery tannins on the palate. Try pairing this wine with chocolate desserts or cheeses such as Cheddar and Manchego.
TAsting Notes: The 2018 Dow's LBV Port opens with an alluring nose of ripe blackberries, plums, and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, it offers a lush, velvety texture with layers of dark chocolate, cherry, and a touch of black pepper, balanced by fine acidity that leads to a long, satisfying finish. …
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Price: £15.95
Stock: 31 in Stock
Ferreira, 2018
Vintage Port
***100 Points - Wine Enthusiast****
Ferreira’s historic Quinta do Porto estate is located in the heart of the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro, just downstream from the village of Pinhão. The 27 hectares are on steep hillsides on the north bank of the river with southerly exposure, resulting in Ports with exceptional concentration, weight and structure. The soil in the Douro Valley is made up of schist - a slate-like metamorphic rock that fractures vertically, allowing the vine roots to dig deep to access water and nutrients to sustain them through the hot Douro summers. 22% of the fruit for the 2019 vintage was sourced from a small field blend parcel of over 100-year-old vines. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 45 in Stock
Fonseca Port, 2018
Guimaraens- Single Quinta Vintage Port
Tasting Notes Impenetrable purple-black at the centre, with a narrow band of violet on the rim. The nose is dense and compact, with impressive depth and background. The fruit quality is superb, a luscious blend of black and red berry aromas which is the hallmark feature of Fonseca’s vintage ports, mingled with notes of dark chocolate. Around this core of powerful, complex fruit is an aura of balsamic, minty scents. Although the nose is sensuous and seductive, there is an attractive firm edge, provided by graphite and a flinty minerality. The first impression on the palate is of silky smoothness …
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Price: £44.95
Stock: 76 in Stock
Gaja, 2018
Rossj Bass, Lange
A highly regarded Italian white wine from the Langhe region in Piedmont. It is made predominantly from Chardonnay, with some Sauvignon Blanc blended in. The wine is crafted by the renowned Gaja family, known for their commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Rossj Bass is a great example of Gaja's ability to produce wines with both freshness and depth. Intense, soft and full-bodied style, aged in barrique. It has a strong and profound personality, with aromas of honey, fruit and citrus. It seduces the palate with velvety, warm and enveloping tones, of balanced freshness and long persistence. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: 5 in Stock
Graham's Port, 2018
Malvedos Single Quinta Vintage port
The 2018 Graham's Malvedos Single Quinta is Typical Grahams in style with eucalyptus and mint predominant on the nose and black chocolate. Mouth
plenty of grip and concentration with a long generous and velvety finish
About the Vintage
The 2018 growing season was a rollercoaster, consisting of a winter drought, a deluge in spring and heatwaves through the final ripening period. There was almost three times the average amount of rainfall in March at Quinta dos Malvedos, which meant that the growing cycle started later. As a result, the berries were more vulnerable to the heatwaves during the final ripening period, when temperatures reached 43ºC at the estate. …
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Price: £69.95
Stock: 8 in Stock
Greywacke, 2018
Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris Marlborough, New Zealand
The Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris is an opulent sweet white wine made from Botrytis affected grapes grown near Renwick at the vineyard that surrounds Greywacke HQ. A patisserie-like mélange conjuring notions of dark orange marmalade, tarte tatin and honey crème brûlée infused with hints of lapsang souchong. A decadent and voluptuous interpretation of Pinot Gris that is richly flavoured with poached quince and dried fruits - mouth watering acidity balances the luscious sweetness of this wine leading to a clean lingering finish.
Greywacke was created in 2009 by Kevin Judd, the person responsible for the ground-breaking early wines produced in Marlborough. …
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Price: £22.95
Stock: 20 in Stock
Hooper's Port, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV)
Hooper's 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port is a refined single-vintage port crafted from the rich soils of Portugal's Douro Valley. Produced with grapes from the 2018 harvest, this wine is matured in oak barrels for up to six years, allowing it to develop a smooth, layered profile distinct to LBV ports.
Tasting Profile
This LBV showcases a vibrant deep ruby hue and aromatic notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of floral essence. On the palate, expect luscious dark fruit flavors interwoven with cocoa, a dash of licorice, and a hint of warming spice. The tannins are well-structured, offering a pleasing balance and a lingering, velvety finish. …
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Price: £16.95
Stock: 84 in Stock
La Spinetta, 2018
La Spinetta -Barbaresco Bordini
***93 Points Robert Parker***
La Spinetta is one Piedmont’s iconic modern wineries having forged an enviable reputation over the last two decades. La Spinetta was founded in 1977 by Giuseppe Rivetti who established the original winery at Castagnole Lanze. Since then it is the second generation, spearheaded by Giorgio Rivetti, that has put La Spinetta on the map with the development of vineyards and estates, talented winemaking and an endless desire to try new things.
La Spinetta started in 1977 but its modern reputation was made in 1995 with the introduction of La Spinetta’s now famous Barbaresco (Gallina). In 2000 La Spinetta bought land in Barolo and set up a brand new winery to produce their Campè Barolo. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: 23 in Stock
Massolino, 2018
Massolino, Barolo Serralunga, Piedmont ***96 ~Points- Wine Enthusiast***
Massolino Barolo is a concentrated red wine with a complex bouquet of floral, red fruit and spicy aromas over a balsamic and mineral background. On the palate it is voluminous, velvety and round. A medium to full-bodied wine with silky tannins, noticeable acidity and a long, balsamic finish.
"While at the village level in 2018 we seem to find more dilute wines, Massolino should be considered an exception because they produced just a village Barolo, a blend of all their MGAs, including Vigna Rionda. The wine shines for its bright ruby colour, meaty and tarry with a incredible depth of rhubarb and minerality. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: 6 in Stock
Offley Port, 2018
Vintage Port
Wine Makers Notes Offley 2018 has deep colour, almost opaque. Aromas of good intensity and complexity, with floral and balsamic notes together with heather, resin, red berries and a light spice. On the palate it has good volume, lively acidity, firm tannins, red berries and black fruits, with a very long, harmonious finish.
Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. Serve at room temperature on its own or with steak and blue cheese sauce or vintage mature blue cheeses such as stilton Cashel Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Saint Augur Blue. …
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Price: £66.95
Stock: 28 in Stock
Pinot Noir, 2018
HE - Weine - L'Artiste
HE, as Dauch is known in Germany (mainly by sommeliers and geeks), is recognised as one of the country's best pinot noir producers.
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Price: £259.00
Stock: 6 in Stock
Pinot Noir, 2018
HE - Weine - HE
HE, as Dauch is known in Germany (mainly by sommeliers and geeks), is recognised as one of the country's best pinot noir producers.
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 12 in Stock
Pocas, 2018
Vintage Port,
Special Collectors Edition
Poças Vintage 2018 is the most pure and perfect translation of how special this year was, and still is, for the Poças family, as they celebrated their first 100 years! This wine symbolizes the memories, stories and strong relationships that are integral to a successful family business. They are the reason why family businesses succeed over so many generations. This Special Collector’s Edition Vintage Port, with a unique design, carries the names of the family and long-standing friends and clients, who participated in the collaborative “lagarada” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the company. …
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Price: £59.95
Stock: 29 in Stock
Prats and Symington, 2018
Prazo de Roriz, DOC Douro
Prats & Symington was founded in 1999 as a joint venture between the well known Bordeaux winemaker, Bruno Prats and the Symington family. It is an independent company specialising in dry red wines which has been at the forefront of the DOC Douro quality revolution and instrumental in driving forward the high quality image of the region.
The Prazo de Roriz is characterized in particular by red fruits, raspberries and cherries and the Roriz terroir provides a distinctive minerality and appealing peppery spice. Made for drinking young, but with the potential for developing in-bottle for several years. …
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Price: £16.95
Stock: 46 in Stock
Quinta da Fonte Souto, 2018
Red Wine, Alentejo
Lying on the slopes of the São Mamede Range at an altitude of 500 metres in the Alentejo sub-region of Portalegre, the property benefits from cooler and wetter conditions than the hot Alentejo plain. The Fonte Souto wines express the freshness and elegance provided by the altitude, as well as the structure and complexity from the estate’s extensive collection of mature, low-yielding vines.
The Fonte Souto Estate red wine embodies all the strengths of the property’s unique terroir: the freshness and balance afforded by the altitude; the concentration, which derives from mature, low-yielding vines, and the complexity and structure provided by the judicious combination of grape varieties. …
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Price: £16.95
Stock: 24 in Stock
Quinta de la Rosa, 2018
Vintage Port
Quinta de La Rosa is a small estate in the heart of the Port wine-growing region in Alto Douro, near Pinhao, owned and operated by the Bergqvist family.
The Quinta and its vineyards were given to the Bergqvist family as a Christening present by the Feuerheerds, who established the property in 1906.
It remains one of the few Single Quinta where the vineyards start at the bank of the Douro and rise 450 meters to the towering top of the mountain. From the river's edge to the top, one passes through 11 different microclimates. This gives La Rosa great flexibility to add variety and complexity to its Ports. …
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Price: £49.00
Stock: 37 in Stock
Quinta do Noval, 2018
Vintage Port
*** 95+ Points Mark Squires - Wine Advocate ***
2018 Quinta do Noval
Noval has had a run of vintage port declarations in recent years and 2018 is no exception. Only 1600 cases have been produced from the 2018 harvest and quantities are tiny. Managing director Christian Selly offers his insight into the vintage: ‘Like 2017, 2018 was a year of low yields, but for different reasons. 2017 was a year of extreme drought, while 2018 was marked in the first part of the year by heavy rainfall. This meant that potential yields were naturally much reduced by the difficulties of the flowering period. Subsequently however, a long hot dry summer ensued. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 55 in Stock
Quinta do Vesuvio, 2018
Vintage Port
The 2018 Quinta do Vesuvio is one of my top Port wines of the 2018 vintage. Flamboyant, full of concentration lovely violet nose and absolutely loaded with red fruit at this early stage. Tannins are finely resolved and should provide the structure for the wine to develop. Only 965 cases made so will be in short supply 95/100. TC VWP June 2020
Reviews
Richard Mayson
Quinta do Vesúvio 2018 *****
A blend of 54% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca / Alicante Bouschet (co-fermented) and 6%
Sousão (for freshness), predominantly from cooler north / north -west facing vineyards:
Beautifully lifted, scented floral aromas (rose petals), vinous and overt; …
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 15 in Stock
Quinta do Vesuvio, 2018
Vintage Port Magnum 150cl
Please allow 7 days for delivery
The 2018 Quinta do Vesuvio is one of my top Port wines of the 2018 vintage. Flamboyant, full of concentration lovely violet nose and absolutely loaded with red fruit at this early stage. Tannins are finely resolved and should provide the structure for the wine to develop. Only 965 cases made so will be in short supply 95/100. TC VWP June 2020
Reviews
Richard Mayson
Quinta do Vesúvio 2018 *****
A blend of 54% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca / Alicante Bouschet (co-fermented) and 6%
Sousão (for freshness), predominantly from cooler north / north -west facing vineyards:
Beautifully lifted, scented floral aromas (rose petals), vinous and overt; …
more >>>
Price: £169.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Quinta do Vesuvio, 2018
Douro, Red Wine
Quinta do Vesuvio is one of the greatest estates of the Douro. The magnificent house, chapel and winery were built in 1827. Vesuvio has been considered one of the most important properties of the Douro throughout its long history. The 137-hectare vineyard is predominantly north and west facing and rises from 110 meters at the river side to 450 meters. This estate makes exceptionally balanced wines, amongst the finest in the entire region. The soil is predominantly schistous with small granite outcrops.
Touriga Nacional is one of the two most important grape varieties for the Vesuvio red wine. …
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Price: £54.95
Stock: 5 in Stock