Grahams 2016 (1.5L)

99 JS / 98 WS / 98 DE / 96 VM / 17.5+ JR

#27 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of 2018

Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end. - James Suckling

This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055. From Portugal.  - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Super-ripe with an expressive plum and dark chocolate aroma. Rich opulence backed by dark chocolate intensity and spicy tannic grip – big and bold on the finish. Voluptuous with fabulous richness, big and bold on the finish. This is one for the long haul but it’s already very impressive. Production of 6,325 cases. - Richard Mayson, Decanter

The 2016 Graham’s Vintage Port is inky black in colour. The bouquet is voluminous and intense, the aromas almost shrouding your head! Blackberry, black olive, clove and a touch of smoke, just a hint of pencil box in the background. The palate is brilliant, quite brilliant. Supple tannin, a satin-like texture, perfect balance and unerring purity, this is a fabulous Graham’s that effortlessly fans out and caresses the senses on the finish. This Graham’s has huge potential and is going to give a lot of pleasure for many years. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Backbone of Quinta dos Malvedos which saw 13 mm of rain in mid September. The blend includes some Sousão for colour and freshness. Plus lots of Touriga Franca from Quinta do Tua, the one with the old terraces (for Stone Terraces) still. Only 230 g per vine from there. Plus wine from two other properties, Quinta da Vila Velha across the river from Malvedos and Quinta do Vale de Malhadas from Douro Superior upriver – mainly Touriga Franca. In volume, 2016 produced 25 to 30% less than in 2011 which wasn’t a big crop. 6,325 cases made, some in the traditional tappit hen size.

All the Symington wines had exceptionally deep colours. This one has a particularly deep blackish-purple, still with a blueish hue. On the already-expressive nose I found prunes, something floral and a note of balsam, plus lots of freshness. Relatively open on the palate too. Rather elegant and the hugely sweet fruit almost covers a massive charge of silky tannins. This is almost like a sweet, tannic table wine. Pure and polished. Sweeter than most. One of those wines that some people might easily persuade themselves could be drunk relatively young, Satin textured. - Jancis Robinson