Vintage Port 'Quinta da Gricha'

Score

92

"The 2018 Vintage Port Quinta da Gricha is a field blend coming in at 100 grams of residual sugar. Elegant and refined, this has a bright and accessible feel with good fruit on the finish. It tightens notably with air, but it is accessible in its own way. It didn't seem terribly interesting, though, on the first day tasted. It just wasn't expressive. Where's the fruit? That sure changed two days later. It fleshed out overnight, gained weight and became wonderfully expressive—classic Porto with pungent aromatics. At that point, it was drinking beautifully. The rich fruit was fairly well ahead of the structure at that juncture, however. It did make me wonder a little how long and how well this might age, but it is going to be hard to resist for most of its life. This suave and simply delicious Porto will hold at least a reasonable time, but it will be accessible on the younger side. For the rest, it needs to prove its case in the cellar."

Score

92

"This Port from the estate that forms the basis of the producer's declared Vintage Ports is herbal and spicy, with a blend of firm tannins and generous black fruits. It is sure to age well and give a generous Port. Wait to drink from 2028."

Score

16.5+

"Cask sample. Exceptionally deep blackish purple. Colour right out to the rim. Quite introvert but intriguing nose with notes of liquorice and treacle/molasses. Quite a dry finish after rigorous structure. Just a hit of green apples on the end. But it's definitely a successful 2018. Marked grip."