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Graham’s "The Stone Terraces" Vintage Port 2021

2021
2017
2016
2015
2011

At Graham’s principal estate, Quinta dos Malvedos, there are just under three hectares of hand-built stone terraces that date from the late 18th century. Meticulously reconstructed after being abandoned in the aftermath of phylloxera, these stone terraces were designed to produce ports of exceptional  concentration and power, using viticultural techniques that have barely changed for hundreds of years.

The stone terraces are primarily a field blend, although there is a predominance of mature Touriga Nacional in their make-up. There are also some small, relatively younger plantings of Touriga Franca, Sousão and Alicante Bouschet. In 2021, the grapes from these vines were picked at the same time, from September 18th, and co-fermented to enhance complexity, structure, and freshness.

While reviewing the wines produced from the finest vineyards across our Douro estates in 2021, we were simply astonished by the three-hectare stone terraces at Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos. These low-yielding vines delivered wines with a deep inky purple colour, pin sharp acidity, and wonderfully fresh, scented tropical aromas – characteristic of these unique terraces.

A very rare decision to bottle the wine from these magnificent vineyards as The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port and release the wine in 2023. This is just the fifth time that the Symington family has made this micro-terroir Vintage Port – following 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Only 400 nine litre cases were bottled.

For detailed information on each wine, see The Vintage Port Site.

Reviews

Wine & Spirits
10/20/2023
Points:
95

This is the fifth release of The Stone Terraces, following the 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2017, all of which proved to be exceptional wines, scoring 96 or better. The relatively cool season in 2021 provides a more restrained take on these three parcels at Quinta dos Malvedos, with exposures to the east, west and north. Charles Symington harvested these 7.5 acres as a field blend, fermenting the varieties together to produce this youthfully brisk Vintage. It has the green florals of *esteva, the local rock rose, rooted in sweet slate. Gently girding all its baby fat within a mineral line of acidity, the wine lasts on violets and fresh Damson plum. This is the kind of modern Vintage that’s delicious as a young wine, though it will likely need 20 years or more to begin to show its best.

James Suckling
4/19/2023
Points:
95

What a polished and beautifully structured vintage port with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with a terrific intensity and brightness. Seems slightly drier than normal for a Graham’s vintage. Fantastically fine tannins. Black berries and tangerines with other tropical fruits. Hints of nuts at the end. Racy and muscular.

Wine Spectator
11/29/2023
Points:
94

Expressive, with violet and warmed licorice notes leading the way, backed by flavors of bramble-laced blackberry and plum reduction. This solid version is in a drier style than most of its peers, with baking spices and mint echoes on the brambly finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca.