Luscious in the middle, as if a deep canyon of tropical chocolate divided the black plum and esteva scents from the schist of the tannins. This is still primary and tight, the structure sleek, the flavors succulent. Watch for it on release around 2016.

The Symington family elected to bottle just 3,900 of a possible 15,000 of the Quinta dos Malvedos, equivalent to 261 pipes. It has a lucid purple hue with thick tears running down the side of the glass. The nose is very intense, almost attacking the senses with macerated black cherries, creme de cassis and iodine, displaying good delineation and attractive floral notes. The palate has a sweet entry with a touch of spice and ginger, fanning out beautifully across the palate with silky smooth texture. The finish is showing a little alcohol but it remains a very luscious, almost nubile single quinta and is jam-packed full of fruit.

Decanter Gold - An expressively fruity wine with lovely spiced blackberrry, coffee, and cocoa scents, a dark chocholate concentration and some scondary smoky characteristics. The palate is very ripe, with powerful sweet berry fruit, kirsch liqueur. 

CELLAR SELECTION

Quinta dos Malvedos is Graham's flagship vineyards. This single quinta vintage, made in a year when no general vintage was declared, shows the great structure and fine perfumes that comes from this privileged site. Rich in plummy black fruits, powered still by tannins, the wine is approaching maturity. Drink now, although it will age for many years.

This late release is in a good place right now, with gently mulled plum, blackberry and fig fruit flavors infused with singed anise, tobacco and alder notes. Offers a light ganache coating on the finish, which has a smoldering feel. Drink now through 2025. 3,000 cases made.  –JM

The 2004 Quinta dos Malvedos comes in at 107 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is a big mouthful, gorgeous from the get-go, young, exuberant and rather delicious...its rich and full-bodied feel may give it an edge this year, at least now...it should keep well as it does have nice support underneath the fruit.

Rich and powerful, with plenty of grip to the well-spiced flavors of blackberry, dried blueberry and dark plum. Dense and juicy midpalate, opening up with pepper and chocolate notes on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 3,000 cases made.  –KM

...a vibrant, sunny wine that feels completely integrated between fruit and schist. There’s clarity and purity to the red berry fruit, which parallels the length and breadth of the peppery tannins.

Mature-tasting, offering a supple array of sandalwood, dried cherry and boysenberry flavors, flanked by notes of Asian spice. The creamy finish is long and lush. Drink now through 2020.   –KM