The 2023 single quinta Vintage Ports are exceptional and testament to the outstanding parcels selected by some of the Douro’s most esteemed houses. While 2023 is not a declared vintage – a year in which Port producers blend Vintage Ports from across their estates – these are serious, cellarworthy wines offering an affordable route into fine Vintage Port, with a level of quality and longevity that exceeds expectations for a non-declared year.
Among the producers releasing 2023 vintage Ports are icons of the region: the Symington family (responsible for Graham’s, Dow’s and Quinta do Vesuvio), Taylor’s and Quinta do Noval. Each has taken a meticulous, site-specific approach, drawing only from their finest estates to produce these limited releases. The result is a range of single quinta Ports that reflect the individual character of each vineyard.
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Charles Symington, head winemaker at Symington Family Estates, describes the 2023 Ports as ‘beautifully balanced… terroir-driven wines with great ageing potential.’ Careful vineyard work, precision harvesting and co-operative weather allowed the family to express each quinta’s personality at its best. Vesuvio and Senhora da Ribeira, two of the Douro’s most dramatic and characterful estates, shine in this vintage, while Quinta dos Malvedos and Quinta do Bomfim offer equally compelling expressions in large formats, perfect for collectors.
Taylor’s continues to develop its outstanding Sentinels release, showcasing the finest fruit from the heart of the Pinhão Valley. Head winemaker David Guimaraens speaks of the 2023 vintage’s graceful structure and ability to age beautifully, while Managing Director Adrian Bridge calls it a celebration of the house’s Douro heritage.
Finally, Quinta do Noval, a name synonymous with innovation and quality, has once again bottled a vintage Port under its own label, underlining their confidence in the year’s potential. As ever, Noval brings precision, power and elegance, with a style that bridges tradition and modernity.
In summary, the 2023 vintage has delivered a series of remarkable single quinta Ports. These wines are not just great value, they’re also a window into the soul of some of the Douro’s finest estates and offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the very best of vintage Port without the price tag of a fully declared year.
