grahams
 
Graham’s "The Stone Terraces" 2011 Vintage Port
2021
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2011

At Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos two parcels have produced consistently extraordinary wines which for years have been at the heart of Graham’s declared Vintage Ports. Both Parcel #43, known as Port Arthur, and #37, Vinha dos Cardenhos, are planted on old stone-walled terraces, Port Arthur facing primarily east and Vinha dos Cardenhos facing north.  The combination of their aspects and their being on stone walled terraces which hold and reflect the heat of the sun, makes the wines from these two parcels very different in character from the rest of the primarily south-facing soil-terraced quinta.  Both parcels are primarily Touriga Nacional though there are some vines of other varieties, a legacy of the traditional field mixtures that characterised Douro vineyards for centuries.

In 2011, the Symington family resolved to pick both vineyards at the same time.  Picking took place by hand on the morning of 21st September, in order to ensure the grapes were cool when they arrived at the winery, and the grapes from both parcels were vinified together in the same lagar, which was run off on the 24th September. A year later in 2012, the hopes and plans of September 2011 were fully vindicated when Charles Symington and his cousins tasted the Malvedos “Stone Terraces” lot and decided to bottle 4 pipes (casks) of this unique Vintage Port.

Graham's The Stone Terraces Vintage Port is a tribute to the men and women who labored to build the original stone walls at Quinta dos Malvedos in the late 18th century.

Reviews

Wine Advocate
6/26/2013
Points:
98

It has startling clarity and minerality on the nose, one of those young Ports where the spirit is so pure that it is difficult to distinguish from an unfortified wine! The palate is silky smooth and slightly honeyed on the entry, leading to a very harmonious, svelte, sensual Vintage Port with copious pure blackberry, cassis and mineral notes that build wonderfully towards the finish. This is captivating.

Wine Spectator
2/27/2014
Points:
97

Big, rich and powerful, with vibrant kirsch, red plum and raspberry tart flavors that are fresh and juicy. The peppery finish glides easily off the tongue, revealing notes of milk chocolate. A chocolate character defines the finish, offering plenty of grip. Best from 2025 through 2060. 250 cases made.  –KM

Wine Enthusiast
10/31/2013
Points:
97

CELLAR SELECTION - A very aromatic wine, with violet perfumes, this is attractive and obviously ageworthy. The wine has the richness and tannic structure necessary, while showing an open, accessible character. The acidity shows strongly at the end. Produced from old vineyards at Graham's Quinta dos Malvedos, it has magnificent long-term potential.

Wine & Spirits
12/30/2013
Points:
96

It has the sweet fruit dimensions of a classic Graham’s vintage, carrying a vast store of tannins as if they were the honey of crushed rock. Its tangy wild fruit character lights up the finish, offering a taste of blueberry, fruitcake and spice even as the wine maintains black, impenetrable depths.