2018 Port Vintage Report

The 2018 Vintage is aptly described by wine makers as a "rollercoaster of a vintage". A drought throughout winter gave way to exceptionally high rainfall and hail in spring. This was followed by sporadic heatwaves throughout summer. Fortunately the spring rains had replenished the water table and the grapes were healthy when it came to selection. In an unusual year such as 2018, the winemakers skills and experience are critical in producing a good wine. Those winemakers who carefully selected grapes prospered. As a result, there is no defining characteristic of the vintage as a whole, such as would be found in a long hot summer. Instead there are some very interesting ports that are more representative of the terroir.

After a run of declared vintages 2016/17 it was highly unlikely that 2018 would be universally declared. Sandeman who did not declare their outstanding 2017 were the fist to declare a classic vintage. This was followed by Sogevinous (Calem, Kopke, Burmester, Barros), Quevedo and regular declarations from Vesuvio and Noval. Surprisingly Taylors declared their 2018 (following 16/17) but will not sell it until 2021. QUANTITIES ARE TINY. Whether it's due to careful selection, Corona virus or just a desire not to overload the market, producers have only produced a fraction of normal volumes (roughly 1/3 of normal production). Read more in our 2018 Vintage Port blog


37 products found.

Quevedo, 2018

Sale

Vintage Port - MAGNUM Bottle (1.5L), Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate*** Special Offer | Was £129 | Now £79.95

Please note that these are MAGNUM (1.5lt Bottles )

Oscar and Claudia Quevedo have recently declared their 2018 Quevedo Vintage port. This follows their acclaimed 2017 Vintage.

2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have a several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration.

Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Quevedo Vintage port is big and bold on the palate with tons of opulent black fruit.
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Price: $97.34 USD
Stock: 21 in Stock

Quevedo, 2018

Vintage Port - HALF Bottle (37.5cl), DOC Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***

Please note that these are HALF Bottles (37.5cl Bottles )

Oscar and Claudia Quevedo have recently declared their 2018 Quevedo Vintage port. This follows their acclaimed 2017 Vintage.

2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have a several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration.

Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Quevedo Vintage port is big and bold on the palate with tons of opulent black fruit.
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Price: $42.76 USD
Stock: 16 in Stock

Quevedo, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***
Special Offer | Buy 6 or more and save 25%

2018 Vintage Port from Quevedo: A very limited quantity was produced with the best grapes of the 2018 harvest. Bottled 2 years after the harvest, the Vintage Port will keep developing inside the bottle and your patience will be rewarded after a few decades.

2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration.
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Price: $77.80 USD
Stock: 30 in Stock
Buy 6 or more bottles and Save 25%

Quinta da Devesa, 2018

Vintage Port in presentation box, DOC Douro
***92 Points- Wine Advocate***

Quinta da Devesa Vintage Port is an exceptional wine, produced from carefully selected grapes of the best plots, exclusively from the estate. Vinified traditionally in granite lagares, the ageing process occurred in oak vats before bottling, between the second and third year.

Learn more about Quinta da Devesa

The 2018 Vintage Port is a 50/30 blend of Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, with the rest Sousão, all aged in old balseiros (large upright barrels) for one year. It was bottled May 21, 2020, with 115 grams of residual sugar.
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Price: $90.78 USD
Stock: 21 in Stock

Barros Port, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Includes Barros gift box as illustrated

Richard Mayson 16/20
A blend of 35% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca and 30% Tinta Roriz, with 5% Sousão from the Cima Corgo: mid-deep, youthful crimson colour; open juicy berry fruit on the nose; soft initially on the palate, ripe raspberryish fruit backed by chalky tannins with a lovely juicy – spicy finish, mid-weight for drinking over the medium term. 3734 bottles produced.

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Price: $89.55 USD
Stock: 34 in Stock

Burmester, 2018

Quinta do Arnozelo Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in Wooden Gift Box
**90 Points - Robert Parker**

Only a tiny quantity of Burmester Quinta do Arnozelo Vintage was produced in 2018, using the best grapes from the harvest. This category is increasingly becoming a classic of the Burmester Port house. VWP are Exclusive UK stockists for the 2018 Burmester Vintage Port.


Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Burmester Vintage port is elegant, aromatic and of great finesse. You should expect aromas and flavours of blackberry and black cherry with raisins, figs and chocolate. A wine that is the reflection of Casa Burmester's character and of the Quinta do Arnozelo's exceptional terroir.


Serving Tips & Storage:
When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment.
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Price: $77.80 USD
Stock: 54 in Stock

Kopke, 2018

Quinta de Sao Luiz Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in original Kopke Gift Box

Due to the small production we have been nominated as the exclusive UK stockists for the 2018 Kopke Vintage Port.

Tasting Notes Concentrated and with a deep dark colour, fresh and exuberant on the nose with layered notes of black fruit, this Vintage stands out for its structure and balance, whilst delivering firm tannins, true to the style of Kopke's Vintage Single Quinta. Its crispy acidity combined with the layered Flavours of fruit fresh make this wine engaging, and the intense finish anticipates great ageing potential.

Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment.
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Price: $89.55 USD
Stock: 13 in Stock

Kopke, 2018

Late Bottled Vintage Port

The 2018 Kopke Late Bottled Vintage Port wine is opaque and deep ebony colour. The nose is dominated by notes of ripe dark stone fruit and hints of cacao and chocolate, already showing the signs of some cask ageing. The mouth is full bodied and tight showing good acidity, fresh tannins as well as a long rich finish. Balancing the intensity of flavours, the Late Bottled Vintage Port is the ideal choice to serve with main courses of meat, like filet mignon encrusted four peppers and veal cutlet with Bérnaise sauce. Its versatility knows no borders, being perfect to combine with an exuberant cheesecake of chocolate mint, a pear and chocolate mille-feuille or simply to enjoy with cheeses of medium intensity.
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Price: $29.78 USD
Stock: 45 in Stock

Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018

Late Bottled Vintage Port, DOC Douro

A very special offer to celebrate the official UK launch of Quinta das Carvalhas. We are delighted to exclusively offer in the UK these outstanding Ports and wines from one of the most iconic estate in the Douro Valley.

This 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port from Carvalhas divulges a balanced bouquet of mature black cherries, nuances of cistus combined with dark chocolate and hints of wood. Full-bodied, fruity, dense, rich and firm with a great length of flavour, result of the prolonged stay in wood.

The Late Bottled Vintage of Quinta das Carvalhas presents a differentiating Vintage style, through a Port of great quality, produced solely in good years and made from one specific Vintage as shown on the label.
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Price: $32.38 USD
Stock: 21 in Stock

Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018

Sale

Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro
Twin Bottle Gift Pack Special Offer | Was £44.95 | Now £38

This 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port from Carvalhas divulges a balanced bouquet of mature black cherries, nuances of cistus combined with dark chocolate and hints of wood. Full-bodied, fruity, dense, rich and firm with a great length of flavour, result of the prolonged stay in wood.

The Late Bottled Vintage of Quinta das Carvalhas presents a differentiating Vintage style, through a Port of great quality, produced solely in good years and made from one specific Vintage as shown on the label. For the LBV’s, fermentation takes place in the stone lagares followed by the traditional treading by foot, which, ensures greater yet softer extraction for the necessary concentration.
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Price: $49.32 USD
Stock: 52 in Stock

Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018

Sale

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
***95 Points - Mark Squires Wine Advocate***
***94 Points - Wine Enthusiast***
Special Offer | Was £89.95 | Now £49.95

A very special offer to celebrate the official UK launch of Quinta das Carvalhas. We are delighted to exclusively offer in the UK these outstanding Ports and wines from one of the most iconic estate in the Douro Valley.

Quinta Das Carvalhas 2018 Vintage Port bottled in June 2020 ... a field blend from old vines aged for approximately two years in a mixture of used and large Portuguese vats and used French barrels. It was bottled with 101 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is probably Real Companhia Velha's top quinta. The producer says this is 'produced from a single parcel called 'Vale da Mina' ('Mine Valley') in Quinta das Carvalhas at 100 to 150 meters in altitude above sea level, north exposure.
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Price: $64.83 USD
Stock: 59 in Stock

Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Includes Wooden gift Box
***95 Points - Mark Squires- Wine Advocate***
***94 Points - Wine Enthusiast***

A very special offer to celebrate the official UK launch of Quinta das Carvalhas. We are delighted to exclusively offer in the UK these outstanding Ports and wines from one of the most iconic estate in the Douro Valley.

Quinta Das Carvalhas 2018 Vintage Port bottled in June 2020 ... a field blend from old vines aged for approximately two years in a mixture of used and large Portuguese vats and used French barrels. It was bottled with 101 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is probably Real Companhia Velha's top quinta. The producer says this is 'produced from a single parcel called 'Vale da Mina' ('Mine Valley') in Quinta das Carvalhas at 100 to 150 meters in altitude above sea level, north exposure.
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Price: $90.78 USD
Stock: 35 in Stock

Sandeman, 2018

Vintage Port
In Original Sandeman Gift Box, DOC Douro
***94 Points- Decanter 2023 Silver Award Winner***

2018 Sandeman Vintage Port. Sandeman did not produce a 2017 Classic Vintage Port in the knowledge that they had something better in the cask. The Single Quinta they produced in 2017 was in my top three Ports of the vintage so everything is looking good for the 2018. The price tag of the 2018 is hefty - well above other declared ports in this year. Early reviews appear to indicate that it merits it status.

Wine Makers Notes.
On the nose intense and precise aromas of blackberry and black cherry combine with herbal nuances, spice and cocoa. On the palate it has a powerful attack, with a lively acidity and firm but ripe tannins.
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Price: $154.44 USD
Stock: 78 in Stock

São Leonardo by Quinta do Mourao, 2018

Sale

Vintage Port, Douro

Violet and opaque colour. Strong aroma, fresh with red fruits, balsamic and floral notes.
Strong density in the mouth, with body but keeping the freshness.
At the end a good aromatic, long and sweet finish.



Learn more about Sao Leonardo by Quinta do Mourao
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Price: $103.76 USD
Stock: 30 in Stock

Calem Port, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in Original Gift Box
***16/20- Jancis Robinson***

Cálem Classic Vintage Ports are born in the Douro Superior and reflect a myriad of terroirs that make up the classic profile of the label. The result of a blend from different plots of the varieties Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão, Cálem 2018 Vintage Port maintains the identity of this historic Port house.

4435 bottles of this Cálem Vintage 2018 Port were produced, in a category that is increasingly becoming a classic of this Port house.

Tasting Notes Concentrated and with a deep purple colour, this Vintage stands out for its aromas of intense ripe black fruit, entwined with pleasant notes of spice and cocoa.
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Price: $89.55 USD
Stock: 41 in Stock

Croft Port, 2018

Quinta da Roêda, DOC Douro
Half Bottle
***94 Points - The Wine Advocate***

Very deep purple black at the centre, with a narrow purple red rim. Although the nose displays the seductive, opulent red fruit character which is a familiar feature of Roêda vintage ports, there are also intense, woodland berry aromas which add focus and finesse. As usual, the fruit is wrapped in an envelope of exotic balsamic, minty, eucalyptus scents. The first impression on the palate is of roundness and a rich, velvety texture but there is excellent acidity and well-integrated grippy tannins which emerge on the finish. The finish is powerful and very long with persistent crisp, red berry flavours.
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Price: $23.30 USD
Stock: 36 in Stock

Dow's, 2018

Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Single Bottle

The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.

One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports.
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Price: $128.48 USD
Stock: 4 in Stock

Dow's, 2018

Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
MAGNUM 1.5LT

The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.

One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports.
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Price: $219.33 USD
Stock: 5 in Stock

Dow's, 2018

Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
DOUBLE MAGNUM 300cl
Special order Please allow 7 days for delivery

The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.

One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports.
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Price: $642.41 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock

Ferreira, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
***100 Points - Wine Enthusiast****

Ferreira’s historic Quinta do Porto estate is located in the heart of the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro, just downstream from the village of Pinhão. The 27 hectares are on steep hillsides on the north bank of the river with southerly exposure, resulting in Ports with exceptional concentration, weight and structure. The soil in the Douro Valley is made up of schist - a slate-like metamorphic rock that fractures vertically, allowing the vine roots to dig deep to access water and nutrients to sustain them through the hot Douro summers. 22% of the fruit for the 2019 vintage was sourced from a small field blend parcel of over 100-year-old vines.
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Price: $128.48 USD
Stock: 50 in Stock

Fonseca Port, 2018

Sale

Guimaraens Single Quinta Vintage Port
Special Offer | Was £44.95 | Now £34.50

Tasting Notes Impenetrable purple-black at the centre, with a narrow band of violet on the rim. The nose is dense and compact, with impressive depth and background. The fruit quality is superb, a luscious blend of black and red berry aromas which is the hallmark feature of Fonseca’s vintage ports, mingled with notes of dark chocolate. Around this core of powerful, complex fruit is an aura of balsamic, minty scents. Although the nose is sensuous and seductive, there is an attractive firm edge, provided by graphite and a flinty minerality. The first impression on the palate is of silky smoothness
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Price: $44.77 USD
Stock: 113 in Stock

Fonseca Port, 2018

Guimaraens Single Quinta Vintage Port, DOC Douro
37.5cl HALF Bottle

Fonseca will release a 2018 Guimaraens Vintage Port, the first bottling under the Guimaraens label since 2015. Adrian Bridge remarked, “I am delighted that we are releasing Guimaraens Vintage from 2018. The Guimaraens concept is unique, a wine with the same make up and character as the classic Fonseca Vintages but made in a more approachable, early drinking style.” David Guimaraens added, “I believe that the 2018 is one of the finest recent examples of a Guimaraens Vintage, with its rich, dense woodland fruit and sturdy but well integrated tannins.”

TASTING NOTE
Impenetrable purple-black at the centre, with a narrow band of violet on the rim.
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Price: $32.38 USD
Stock: 3 in Stock

Messias, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro

Tasting Notes The 2018 Messias has a deep purple colour. Aroma of ripe red fruits, floral fragrances and fresh notes of marjoram, mint and basil. The port is slightly drier than the traditional English shippers and may be a little more approachable to those new to Port wines. Good palate of cherries, liquorice, a moderate hit of alcohol with substantive fruit.

Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. Serve at room temperature on its own or with steak and blue cheese sauce or vintage mature blue cheeses such as stilton Cashel Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Saint Augur Blue.
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Price: $64.83 USD
Stock: 55 in Stock

Offley Vintage Port, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro

Wine Makers Notes Offley 2018 has deep colour, almost opaque. Aromas of good intensity and complexity, with floral and balsamic notes together with heather, resin, red berries and a light spice. On the palate it has good volume, lively acidity, firm tannins, red berries and black fruits, with a very long, harmonious finish.

Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. Serve at room temperature on its own or with steak and blue cheese sauce or vintage mature blue cheeses such as stilton Cashel Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Saint Augur Blue.
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Price: $86.89 USD
Stock: 28 in Stock

Pocas, 2018

Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Special Collectors Edition

Poças Vintage 2018 is the most pure and perfect translation of how special this year was, and still is, for the Poças family, as they celebrated their first 100 years! This wine symbolizes the memories, stories and strong relationships that are integral to a successful family business. They are the reason why family businesses succeed over so many generations. This Special Collector’s Edition Vintage Port, with a unique design, carries the names of the family and long-standing friends and clients, who participated in the collaborative “lagarada” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the company.
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Price: $77.80 USD
Stock: 32 in Stock