Fladgate declares 2009 ports
Taylor’s Croft and Fonseca ports have all declared the 2009 vintage – the fourth declaration by owner the Fladgate Partnership this decade.
Chief executive Adrian Bridge said: “In over three centuries of making great ports, we have seldom seen four outstanding vintages come along in a decade. Like the great landmark vintages of the early 20th century, the 2009s are built for longevity.”
Head winemaker David Guimaraens added: “We haven’t seen colour intensity and tannic grip like this in over 20 years. The quality of fruit is also impressive and the wines have excellent acidity.”
Fladgate says the 2009 growing period was characterised by “low vine fertility and a dry ripening season resulting in low yields, dense and concentrated musts, high colour, tannin and sugar levels”.
It warned there would be “smaller quantities available than the preceding declared vintages and tighter allocations”.
Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca 2009 will be available to taste at a declaration tasting in London on May 6 with Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha 2009. The ports will be shipped to the UK towards the end of the year.
