Generally declared Port vintages don’t come around often. In fact, this is the first for seven years. Only when conditions are considered particularly outstanding across all the main Port producers will everyone align to create an across-the-board offering of Vintage Port (arguably the finest style). 2024 will go down in history, not only for being a generally declared vintage but also for being one of the greatest Port vintages in history.
The wines
This offer will close at midday, Monday 5th October 2026
2024 was an alignment of stars, comparable to 2011 and 1945: two of the most iconic vintages ever declared.Charles Symington, Head Winemaker, Symington Family Estates
It was, however, a small vintage, with Adrian Bridge of Taylor Fladgate (owners of Croft, Fonseca and Taylors) warning that due to the small quantities, if you don’t buy at the beginning, you probably won’t get any down the line. A warning not to be taken lightly given the special nature of this release.
Charles Symington has compared the climatic conditions of 2024 to two of the most revered vintages ever, 1945 and 2011, going as far as to say that in time he is confident that the wines of 2024 will be considered at least at the same level as the legendary 1945s. Having had the pleasure of tasting through all the wines in this offer in meticulous detail, I can confirm that the quality here is quite spectacular, with particularly notable finesse in the top wines and elegance throughout. Due to the ample water at the start of the season, followed by a steady, warm ripening period without any extremes, the grapes were allowed the time to ripen slowly and steadily, developing great balance of flavour and integration of acid and tannins. In fact, one of the most extraordinary things about the vintage was that the later part of the season was relatively cool, helping to really draw out the maturation.
One particularly striking element is the silkiness and early approachability of the wines, without in any way lessening their remarkable ability to age. So many of these Ports, even just two years on from harvest, were very hard to want to spit out! Such elegance, completeness and balance at this stage is incredibly special and comes thanks to a combination of the vintage conditions, improved equipment in the wineries and a better-quality fortification spirit. Gone are the days of having to wait a decade before the wines are approachable. So many of these are beautiful off the bat but can equally age without issue for half a century or more.
It’s been a joy and a rewarding experience to put this selection together for members. For anyone struggling to decide, our mixed cases offer an ideal solution, each with a range of Ports from across the wider offer and at varying prices.
People said 2011 was the best Port vintage so far. We can certainly relate 2011 to 2024.Carlos Agrellos, technical director, Quinta do Noval
Port makes an excellent marker for an anniversary or birthday, thanks to its extraordinary ability to age, and 2024 is no different, of course. But what this vintage also offers is an incredible level of harmony and freshness, making the wines a joy to drink at a much younger stage in their lives. These are rejuvenating, vibrant, complex and ethereal fine wines from one of the greatest vintage Port releases in history. A special and rare prospect and one that I hope members cherish and enjoy for many years to come.
Port en primeur 2024
