If anyone is able to, and would like to, attend, drop Ed an email or give him a call and I am sure you would be welcome.
His invitation to us accompanied a marketing press release:
2024 Vintage Port Overview
The First Classic Declaration of the Decade
After seven long years without a general release, vintage port has returned triumphantly with a magnificent 2024. Such a long gap between two declarations hasn’t occurred since the second world war and, when we visited the Douro at the end of last month, the excitement of at last having a great vintage port on our hands was palpable.
David Guimaraens, head winemaker at Taylor, Fonseca, Croft and Skeffington, puts the enormous success of the vintage down to a few key factors during the growing season. Firstly, as with any great Douro vintage, high levels of rainfall in the winter months – 350mm from December to March – replenished some much needed water in the soils and laid the foundations for a magnificent summer.
The summer that followed was hot but, crucially, not excessively so. Only on the 10th August did temperatures exceed 40 C and they also remained highly consistent with few peaks and troughs. This allowed for not only perfect flowering and fruit set (a pre-requisite for vintage port), but also gradual and uniform ripening of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Francesa. As David put it, “Great vintages occur when all varieties behave.”
The final factor, and that which was perhaps most influential in giving these wines such a distinct personality, was the cooler temperatures just before and during harvest. A drop off in heat at the end of August came just in time to ensure a slow, even ripening allowing the fruit to reach full phenolic maturity by the time of picking. In most of the preceding six years, harvest began in mid to late August, so the start date of the 9th September was a glowing indication of the harmony, balance and precision that has come to define these magnificent wines.
Stylistically, these are some of the most expressive ports that have been produced this century, with highly aromatic, precise aromas on the nose and sublime elegance, finesse and freshness on the palate. What is most pleasing is that each of the houses has a different personality, from the exuberant opulence of Graham’s to the close-knit, concentrated Taylor’s and the majestically refined Quinta do Noval, they have perhaps never been quite as distinct.
Whilst quality is exceptionally high, the quantities produced are significantly lower than usual. Taylor, Fonseca, Croft and Skeffington have all made their smallest ever declarations, with only a few thousand cases produced in each instance. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like any of these, as I should expect many to sell out quickly. Skeffington in particular, being such extraordinary value and exceedingly popular, will need a quick answer if you would like to take some up.
Further releases are expected, from Quinta do Noval at the end of the month and the Symington family’s Graham, Warre, Dow, Cockburn and Quinta do Vesuvio in mid-May. If you would like any of these, please let me know ahead of release.
2024 Skeffington
£ 150 per case (6x75cl) In Bond
A smaller, little-known port that is made by the talented team at Taylor and Fonseca. From vineyards in the Upper Douro including the quintas that are components of the finest vintage ports, this is made in the traditional style with concentrated fruit, firm but ripe tannins and excellent acidity. It has fine ageing potential and represents superb value – a much better buy than a single quinta from a lesser year.
2024 Taylor’s Sentinels
£ 204 per case (6x75cl) In Bond
This is produced from four of Taylor’s historic properties (Terra Feita, Junco, Casa Nova and Eira Velha) that were awarded feitoria status, the highest classification for Port vineyards in the 17th century. The name Sentinels is inspired by the granite pillars known as ‘marcos de feitoria’ which mark out the highest quality Port vineyards from the original 1756 classification. Once the wines from these varied and distinct vineyards are combined, they create a rich, deep port with excellent fruit concentration, typifying the Pinhão style. Vinified for slightly earlier drinking in a sweet, lush style but has the depth and concentration to age gracefully.
2024 Croft
£ 318 per case (6x75cl) In Bond
This famous house has been rejuvenated since its purchase by Taylor Fladgate in 2001. Head winemaker, David Guimaraens, has completely rebuilt the granite lagares, which had previously been removed, and in doing so has brought the quality roaring back to the glorious heights Croft achieved in the 1940s and 1950s. Comprised mainly of fruit from their famous Pinhão base Quinta da Roeda, a spectacular, south-west facing property on the right bank of the Douro which boasts some of the oldest vineyards in the region, the style is rich and generous with a sumptuous texture and oozing with charm.
2024 Fonseca
£ 396 per case (6x75cl) In Bond
Quinta do Panascal’s steep vineyards in the Tavora valley have been the cornerstone of Fonseca’s vintage ports for decades, ever since their purchase in 1978. Since then, Fonseca have invested heavily in both the vineyards and winery, re-shaping the land and building modern terraces with laser-guided accuracy. They have co-planted a range of varietals in different sectors of the vineyard with the aim of harvesting all at the same time at optimal ripeness. Co-fermentation has also become standard practice to maximise complexity and bring a new level of harmony to the wines. These changes have made Fonseca the most consistent performer in the Douro in the past 35 years.
2024 Taylor
£ 396 per case (6x75cl) In Bond
Always one of the most impressive ports in a classic declaration and with incredible concentration and finesse. Quinta de Vargellas, a north-facing 80 hectare vineyard in the Upper Douro, is the heart of this famous port and the elegant, floral & refined fruit from this site is supplemented by the powerful and robust pairing of Quintas de Terra Feita and do Junco in the Pinhão Valley. Known for their elegance and longevity, Taylor’s vintage ports have become the benchmark for a general declaration.
All prices are quoted IN BOND lying at London City Bond, Creek Road, IG11 0JH and excludes costs such as delivery, duty & VAT. Delivery, duty and VAT will be invoiced at the prevailing rate at time of shipment in autumn/winter 2026. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice.
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