Wine Advisor
Warre's, Vintage Port 2003
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A very sweet blackberry, smoky nose that lacks the intensity of the Dow ‘03. A lithe, pretty palate, quite feminine for a port with notes of blackberry, raisin, plum and tar. Good acidity, nice balance and freshness. More forward than other ports - this will make fine drinking over 5-20 years. Drink 2008-2025. Tasted May 2005.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The nose is marked by lifted pure blackberry, dark cherry and black olive aromas, very intense and ripe with wonderful definition and showing no signs of the summer heat. The palate is full-bodied with rounded, voluptuous tannins. This is a plush port, caressing the palate with its sensuous charms with a smooth plump spicy finish. Not a cerebral Warres but one designed to impart maximum sensory if not intellectual pleasure. Drink 2015-2030. Tasted May 2009.
Reviewed by: Pierre Rovani
Black pepper, sealing wax, spices, and toast are found in the nose of the potentially exceptional 2003 Warre Vintage Port. A concentrated, backward effort, its youthful, classically ungenerous, masculine character reveals black pepper laced dark fruits. Silky-textured in its immensely endowed mid-palate, this top-flight effort displays an admirably long, tannin-filled finish. It will require serious cellaring. Projected maturity: 2030-2050. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
About the Producer
Founded in 1670, Warre’s is the oldest British Port company established in Portugal. Its is the history of two families: the Warres and the Symingtons.The first Warre, William, arrived in Portugal in 1729 and became a partner in the export company Messrs. Clark, Thornton & Warre, which exported Portuguese wine among other goods. By the 18th century, Warre’s had become one of the leading companies in the Port trade. The Symington family joined Warre & Co in 1905 and in 1908 became the soul owners. The Symington family, now 5th generation Port producers, have managed Warre’s for over 100 years and continue to drive it forwards today. Currently six members of the Symington family are actively involved in Warre’s day-to-day management, with the dedication and long-term commitment that are unique to a family-run business. For 350 years Warre’s has been a pioneer in the Port trade, from advances in the winery to viticultural research. Sourced from three vineyards – Quinta da Cavadinha, Quinta do Retiro Antigo, and Quinta da Telhada – the majority of the Port produced is made with modern methods, using state-of-the-art vinification technology, however a small proportion is still produced by the time-honored method of treading.
