Unsurprisingly, Touriga Franca constitutes the largest component of the Cockburn’s 2015 with 41% (compared with 30% in the 2011). It is followed by Touriga Nacional with 37% — this variety also excelled at Canais where it was sourced from the distinctive, mature 30 years Bico de Pato (duck’s bill) vineyard. This was picked 8 days after the rain of the 15th, from which it greatly benefited. The perfectly ripe berries delivered just 0.96 Kg/vine, giving the wine its velvety tannins and incomparable finesse and elegance. The superb Touriga Franca was sourced principally from Canais, complemented by a smaller quantity from Vale Coelho.
The balance of the blend was made up of old mixed vines (9%); Sousão (7%) and Alicante Bouschet (6%), the latter from Quinta do Cachão de Arnozelo, which contributed to the structure of the wine. A co-fermentation from Vale Coelho of old mixed vines, yielding just 0.36 Kg/vine, combined with Sousão and Touriga Franca added great concentration, freshness and grip to the wine.
Reviews
Blend dominated by Touriga Franca (41%) and Touriga Nacional (37%). Mainly picked eight days after the mid-September rain; initially deep, ripe and dense on the nose, opening up to reveal a scented berry fruit bouquet. Lovely plum and berry fruit on the palate supported by fine-grained, gravelly tannins and a long, structured finish. Combines depth and finesse in equal measure.
Fantastic aromas of crushed berries and flowers. Some mineral undertones. Violets. Very fine and polished with ultra-fine tannins. Medium sweet. Fresh and extremely clean. Very crisp and clean for such hot year. This celebrates the 200th anniversary of Cockburn.
Distinctive, with mint and blueberry notes leading the way before plum, pastis and blackberry cobbler flavors fill in behind them. Rounded and open in feel, with modest grip, putting this on course to come around a little sooner than the rest of the pack. Shows a light woodsy echo on the finish. — JM
Focused and tight—probably the tightest of the Symington 2015s—it is hard-edged and precise, but it does seem to have streaks of alcohol and baked, slightly roasted fruit.
This wine has acidity and juicy black-currant fruits. It is relatively light in structure, giving a delicious wine with attractive fruits