Wine Advisor
Warre's, Vintage Port 2016
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Mark Squires
The 2016 Vintage Port is a 46/37 blend from old vines and Touriga Nacional, with Touriga Franca making up the rest. It was bottled in May 2018 with 113 grams of residual sugar. The fruit on this is gloriously expressive and concentrated. It's classic and delicious, but it doesn't show the power and structure of the top wines. Charles Symington called it very elegant. Or, say, understated and approachable. It is pretty delicious, though, and I have to give this some props just because it is. Don't expect it to be the best ager in the group. There were 4,250 cases produced.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2016 Warre’s Vintage Port was picked from 19 September, the harvest took 10 days longer than usual in order to gain optimal ripeness. It has a tightly-wound but compelling bouquet with intense black fruit laced with clove, nutmeg and touches of smoke. This is a Warre’s with great precision and detail. The palate is sheer class: saturated ripe tannin that belie the structure underneath. There is a symmetry about this Vintage Port and a tension that keeps you returning for more. Wow. This is one of the finest Warre’s that I have tasted at declaration. Bravo! Production is 4,250 cases.
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.
