PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s). 2018 Croft Quinta da Roêda Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L 2018 Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 3 x 0.75L 4 Bottles Port Wine DESCRIPTION Founded in 1588, Croft is the oldest of the original Port houses. The cornerstone of Croft’s distinctive house style is the famous Quinta da Roêda, one of the finest vineyard estates of the Douro Valley, described as the jewel of Port wine estates. Despite its rich heritage and history spanning over four centuries, Croft has never been constrained by tradition. Today, as in the past, it maintains a pioneering spirit, continuing to create innovative new styles such as Croft Pink, the first ever rosé Port. WINEMAKER: David Guimaraens. -> 2018 Croft Quinta da Roêda Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast 93 Points, Wine Spectator 93 Points, Vinous 93 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine 18 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas 17 Points, Jancis Robinson WINE VARIETIES: Traditional from the Douro Region. HARVEST The weather pattern in 2018 was somewhat erratic and sometimes challenging but in the end the conditions required to make excellent Vintage Port all fell into place. The year started extremely dry, as there had been very little rain the previous year, and in January about two thirds of Portugal’s land area was suffering from drought. The stress on the vines from the arid conditions was relieved in March by heavy rainfall. The weather station at Croft’s Quinta da Roêda recorded 223 mm of precipitation during the month. This replenished the ground water reserves depleted the previous year and this ground moisture was to prove decisive during the ripening season. The weather remained cold and wet until the end of June and the vineyard cycle was about three weeks behind the previous year’s calendar. A dry and relatively mild July was followed by a baking hot month of August, temperatures well above 40°C being recorded early in the month in the eastern districts of the Douro Valley. The intense heat allowed the cycle to accelerate. The abundant reserves of water in the ground, built up in the spring, meant that the grapes matured evenly and gradually in spite of the hot conditions. Picking at Quinta da Roêda began on 17th September, in hot, dry weather. Yields were low but the wines were recorded as have excellent colour intensity, very good acid balance and elegance and freshness of fruit. TASTING NOTES Very deep purple black at the centre, with a narrow purple red rim. Although the nose displays the seductive, opulent red fruit character which is a familiar feature of Roêda vintage ports, there are also intense, woodland berry aromas which add focus and finesse. As usual, the fruit is wrapped in an envelope of exotic balsamic, minty, eucalyptus scents. The first impression on the palate is of roundness and a rich, velvety texture but there is excellent acidity and well-integrated grippy tannins which emerge on the finish. The finish is powerful and very long with persistent crisp, red berry flavours. Although, as always, the 2018 Roêda Vintage is ripe and seductive, the characteristics of the year and the contribution of the wines from Roêda’s oldest vineyard plots has placed this superb single-quinta Vintage Port at the elegant and restrained end of the spectrum. SERVING It goes well with intense cheeses, especially blue ones, such as Stilton or Roquefort. It can also be served with chocolate or berry desserts. Store in an upright position, in a cool, dry place, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Serve at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC. Consume in moderation. -> 2018 Croft Late Bottled Vintage Port 3 x 0.75L AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 90 Points, Robert Parker (2016 Vintage) 90 Points, International Wine Challenge (2015 Vintage) 17 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2015 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Traditional from the Douro Region. VINIFICATION The wines used to blend Croft LBV were selected from a reserve made up of some of the best port wines produced in this harvest. These wines were aged in wood and then blended after six years. The blending process ensures balance, as well as style continuity in relation to previous Croft LBVs. TASTING NOTES Wine with a deep ruby red center, which fades to the brick-red rim. It presents a seductive nose of rich, ripe fruit, with aromas of blackcurrant jam, plum, sultana and fig, mixed with hints of licorice and coffee and hints of wild herbs. The palate full of ripe fruit flavor, has a smooth and velvety texture supported by tense tannins and a thread of lively acidity. It is a perfectly ripe and balanced Late Bottled Vintage, with classic Croft opulence and elegance and is ready to be consumed. SERVING It goes well with intense cheeses, especially blue ones, such as Stilton or Roquefort. It can also be served with chocolate or berry desserts. Store in an upright position, in a cool, dry place, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Serve at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC. Consume in moderation.