The Vintage Port Site

Symington Vintage Ports at the 2013 Wine Competitions

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 WEST

Ten of Symington Family Estates’ Vintage Ports have won a total of 20 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as a Trophy at the 2013 International Wine Challenge (IWC), Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) and International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) tastings in London.

What Temperature for Serving Vintage Port?

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 WEST

Symington winemaker João Pedro Ramalho recently led a Port Wine Master Class for sommeliers in which one flight demonstrated the best temperature for serving Vintage Port, and why.

Port and the Douro's Future, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com (website) | http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/a20130508.html

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:00 WEST

When Jancis wrote "Could 2011 be the vintage to put vintage port back on the fine wine map?", both our own Paul Symington and David Guimaraens of the Fladgate Partnership (makers of Taylor & Fonseca ports) wrote to Jancis - in this article she publishes their reflections on the future of Port and the Douro.

Graham’s The Stone Terraces 2011 Vintage Port

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:00:00 WEST

Paul Symington calls The Stone Terraces 2011 "idiosyncratic," saying its intensity may not be for everyone, whilst his cousin Johnny describes it as "cool and linear on the palate" in contrast to the big, voluptuous classic Graham's 2011. What makes this Vintage Port so different?

Tried & tasted: SFE’s 2011 Vintage Ports, Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective (website) | http://www.thewinedetective.co.uk/blog/featured/tried-tasted-symington-family-estates-2011-vintage-ports-including-the-maiden-grahams-stone-terraces/

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 WEST

Sarah's report on the Symington 2011 Vintage Ports, tasted in London the week of 22 April. Fascinating to read her comments about the five component wines which made up the Graham's 2011 Vintage Port, alongside her note for the finished Graham's.

2011, uma colheita para a história do vinho do Porto, Pedro Garcias, Fugas (online) | http://fugas.publico.pt/Vinhos/319322_2011-uma-colheita-para-a-historia-do-vinho-do-porto?pagina=-1

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 WEST

"A euforia chegou ao Douro e às caves da Gaia" Euphoria has arrived in the Douro and cellars of Gaia with the declaration of the 2011 Vintage Ports, which look likely to last into the next century. Pedro Garcias discusses the 2011 harvest year and the releases of several producers, particularly Symington Family Estates. (in Portuguese)

The Bottling of 2011 Vintage Ports Begins

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 WEST

Today the first 750 ml bottles of Graham’s 2011 Vintage Port were being filled, corked and sealed at Symington Family Estates’ bottling plant in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Stone Terraces, um vintage para a memória futura, Manuel Carvalho, Fugas (print)

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:00:00 WEST

"...Stone Terraces, um vintage que provoca uma experiência sensorial única." Graham's The Stone Terraces, "a Vintage which creates a unique sensory experience." So writes Manuel Carvalho, one of Portugal's top wine writers and critics in Publico's Fugas magazine. This PDF includes Manuel's article about Stone Terraces and also the print edition of Pedro Garcias' article about the 2011 Vintage Ports published 30 April on line (link above). In Portuguese.

Symington Launches 2011 Vintage Ports in the UK

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:00:00 WEST

Paul and Johnny Symington showed the 2011 Vintage Ports to the UK wine trade and press yesterday in London. As one writer commented, “It’s a cracking vintage!”

The Symington 2011 Ports, Jamie Goode, The Wine Anorak Blog (website) | http://www.wineanorak.com/wineblog/portugal/the-symington-2011-ports

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:00 WEST

UK wine writer Jamie Goode gives his first impressions of Symington Family Estates' 2011 Vintage Ports based on a tasting 22 April in London.

Enjoy Vintage Port at Graham’s Lodge & Vinum Restaurant

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:00:00 WEST

Graham's Lodge and the Vinum Restaurant offer an extraordinary opportunity to sample Vintage Ports by the glass.

2011 Vintage Ports Declared by Symington Family Estates

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:00:00 WEST

The Symington family are very pleased and proud to announce our decision to declare 2011 Vintage Ports for seven of our brands, as well as two limited edition Vintage Ports.

Graham’s 1890 Port Lodge Grand Re-Opening

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 WEST

The Graham’s 1890 Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia was officially re-opened by Paul Symington and His Excellency the President of the Republic of Portugal Dr. Aníbal Cavaco Silva on 21 March.

Quinta do Vale Coelho Returns to Cockburn’s

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:00:00 WET

Quinta do Vale Coelho, purchased by Cockburn’s in 1893 and acquired by the Symingtons in 2006, is once again contributing its wines to Cockburn’s Ports.

One Bottle: A Synopsis of Life and Time, Andrew Jeffords (World of Fine Wine Magazine)

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:00:00 WET

“You simply can’t create complexity of this order in under a century or so, I suspect.” Andrew Jeffords writes eloquently of the pleasure of a glass of very very old Port which Paul Symington shared with him one evening.

Enólogo do Ano (Vinhos Generosos) Charles Symington, João Paulo Martins (Revista de Vinhos)

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:00:00 WET

Só no equilíbrio (por vezes difícil de conseguir) entre tradição e modernidade é possível manter uma empresa na linha da frente do sector. For the second time in his career Charles Symington has received the prestigious Wine Maker of the Year (Fortified Wines) Award from Revista de Vinhos, with particular praise for his re-launch of the Graham’s range of Tawny Ports. (in Portuguese)

Revista de Vinhos - Os Melhores Vinhos de Portugal em 2012 | http://www.revistadevinhos.iol.pt/noticias/os_melhores_vinhos_de_portugal_em_2012_14463

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 WET

Estes são os vinhos que nos fazem sonhar, que nos despertam, como nenhuns outros, os sentidos de prazer. "These are the wines which make us dream, which, like no others, awaken our sense of pleasure." Revista de Vinhos, Portugal's top wine magazine, publishes its list of 2012's outstanding wines, citing Warre's Vintage Port 2009 for an Award for Excellence, and many of the Graham's Tawnies as well.

Revista de Vinhos - Os Grandes Prémios de Vinho 2012 | http://www.revistadevinhos.iol.pt/noticias/os_grandes_premios_do_vinho_de_2012_14462

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 WET

Revista de Vinhos, Portugal's top wine magazine, has awarded Charles Symington, head winemaker for Symington Family Estates, the Winemaker of the Year for Fortified Wines, in its annual "Oscars of Wine" awards.

Michael Symington, CBE, 1925 - 2013

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:00:00 WET

Michael Symington, que faleceu no dia 25 de Janeiro aos 87 anos, era a principal figura duma família de origem escocesa, há muito residente no Porto e activa na produção de Vinho do Porto há várias gerações.

Michael Symington, CBE, 1925-2013

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:00:00 WET

Michael Symington, who has died aged 87, was the senior member of a family of Scottish origin long resident in Oporto, Portugal and active as Port producers for several generations.

A Journey Through Time Through 10 Port Wines

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:00:00 WET

Paul Symington led a tasting that included Vintage Ports and cask-aged Colheitas from the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries, showing Port's remarkable ability to be a joy at every age and stage of development.

Join SFE at Essência do Vinho

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:00:00 WET

Symington Family Estates will be showing a full range of our Port wines at the Essência do Vinho wine show this weekend at the Palácio de Bolsa in Porto, including ten different Vintage Ports from Graham's, Dow's, Warre's and Quinta do Vesuvio.

Port For The Holiday Festivities

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:00:00 WET

Which Ports will the Symingtons and the staff at SFE enjoy this holiday season?

Serving Vintage Port

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 WET

Whether you will be enjoying a fine Vintage or another style of Port this holiday season, a little preparation ahead of time will ensure your pleasure at table.

Dow's 1977 Vintage Port in Tappit Hen

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:00:00 WET

A unique bottling of Dow's 1977 Vintage Port in an unusual 2.1 litre bottle format has been released from the Dow cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia exclusively to the Far Eastern market.

Fine Old Vintages on Show This Weekend

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 WET

You will have a chance to taste rare old Vintage Ports this weekend - join us in Lisbon at the Adegga Wine Market or if you are in Paris look for us with Primum Familiae Vini at Le Grand Tasting.

Vintage Port in Asia, Asian Palate (website) | http://asianpalate.com/asian-food-wine/trends/vintage-port-asia

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:00:00 WET

The Asian Palate website, founded by Jeannie Cho Lee MW, celebrates Asian food and fine wine. They joined us at The Vintage Port Academy and produced a wonderful video about Port, featuring Euan Mackay and Jorge Nunes of Symington Family Estates and Nick Heath of The Fladgate Partnership, discussing Port, the Douro, the Asian market and of course Asian food and wine pairing. In English with Chinese subtitles.

The Vintage Port Academy

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:00:00 WET

The Vintage Port Academy, a joint effort of by Symington Family Estates and The Fladgate Partnership to promote knowledge and appreciation of Port in the Far East and Asia has just concluded its third successful year.

Concorrentes, mas também parceiros, José Miguel Dentinho, (Exame)

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:00:00 WET

"Competitors, but also partners" describes the alliance between Euan Mackay of Symington Family Estates and Nick Heath of The Fladgate Partnership, who together have created the incredibly successful Vintage Port Academy to promote knowledge and appreciation of Vintage Port in the Far East and Asia. Portugal's top business magazine looks their success bringing an iconic and uniquely Portuguese product to the Asian market (in Portuguese).

Not All Port Is Vintage

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:00:00 WEST

You discovered an old, forgotten bottle of Port … now what?

2012 Douro Harvest Report from Paul Symington

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:00:00 WEST

With remarkably low yields but excellent colour and flavours, the accountants will not be happy with the Douro Harvest of 2012, but the winemakers and tasters certainly will be, according to Paul Symington.

Harvest in the Rio Torto Valley

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:00:00 WEST

The Rio Torto Valley quintas of Symington Family Estates were among the last to finish picking: Graham's Quinta das Lages, Warre's Quinta do Retiro Antigo, and Prats + Symington's Quinta da Perdiz.

Wrapping up Harvest in the Douro Superior

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:00:00 WEST

All our Port quintas on the north bank of the Douro in the eastern end of the region have finished their picking by now, and the winery at Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira is just finishing the last few lagares of the 2012 ports.

Harvesting and Treading at Quinta do Vesuvio

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:00:00 WEST

Another week to go of harvesting, treading grapes nightly, and sheer hard work at Quinta do Vesuvio.

Reviving Cockburn, Jancis Robinson | http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/a20120927.html

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 09:00:00 WEST

A fuller version of Jancis's FT article about the Cockburn tasting held at the Factory House in Porto by the Symington Family, published in the free-access area of her own site, JancisRobinson.com. This version also has a link onward to her full tasting notes and detailed account of the tasting at the Factory House, entitled When Cockburn Was Great, which is accessible only to subscribers to her Purple Pages.

The Rarest Rubies (a Cockburn's Vintage Port Retrospective), Jancis Robinson (Financial Times) | http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/a3a52c70-cc33-11e1-839a-00144feabdc0.html#axzz27utYFoq1

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:00:00 WEST

In the first half of the 20th Century Cockburn's was considered the finest producer of Vintage Port, and recently the Symington family hosted a tasting of Cockburn's Vintage Ports back to 1896 to try to determine the trademark of the house style. Top UK wine critic Jancis Robinson reports, and picks out the 1908 as "Still as fresh as a daisy and living proof that vintage port really is worth waiting for."

Harvest at Warre's Quinta do Retiro Antigo

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:00:00 WEST

The breathtakingly beautiful Quinta do Retiro Antigo is also uniquely challenging to harvest.

Harvest at Warre's

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 06:00:00 WEST

Warre's Quinta da Cavadinha started the picking on 24 September in the Old Vines mixed variety vineyard.

First Week of Harvest At Graham's

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 07:00:00 WEST

A report of the activity so far across all five of Graham's quintas.

Douro Weather Update

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:00:00 WEST

The Autumn Equinox on 22 September brings a change of weather to the Douro.

Start of Harvest at Quinta do Vesuvio

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:00:00 WEST

Harvest starts well at Quinta do Vesuvio with excellent early lagares of Tinta Barroca and quick changes of plan to adapt to conditions and the ripening grapes.

111 Years of Cockburn's, Richard Mayson | http://www.richardmayson.com/Vintage_Port_Notes/2012/09/13/111_Years_of_Cockburns/

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:00:00 WEST

UK wine writer and Port expert Richard Mayson attended the tasting held in Porto, organised by the Symington family "to rediscover Cockburn’s DNA." After tasting 19 wines, from 1896 to a barrel sample from 2011, he concludes, "Cockburn's used to make some outstanding wines ... Judging from some of the more recent wines, which were shown at the start of the tasting, Cockburn’s is already well on the way to recovering its heart and soul."

Cockburn’s: The Return of a Great British Classic

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:00:00 WEST

Symington Family Estates’ investment in Cockburn’s is starting to show, with prestigious awards for our Vintage Ports, the re-opening of the Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia and a new website.

Ready to Start the Harvest At Symington’s Port Quintas

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:00:00 WEST

On Monday 17^th September Symington’s grape picking teams will report for duty at all our quintas and the boutique wineries for each Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s and Quinta do Vesuvio will open and start to make the 2012 Port wines.

Visit Provesende

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:00:00 WEST

With so many readers visiting the Douro during harvest and the autumn, we suggest you visit Provesende, one of the region's wonderful small villages. It is easily accessible from Pinhão and among its attractions is a footpath down to Pinhão that offers spectacular views of some of the most famous quintas in the region, including Warre's Quinta da Cavadinha.

Countdown for Harvest 2012 Begins

vpsadmin@thevintageportsite.com — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:00:00 WEST

The Port harvest season begins in the Douro in mid August, when we start weekly sampling of grapes from our vineyards across the region for all our major brands. As the second week’s samples were being analysed, we caught up with Charles Symington, Symington Family Estates’ head winemaker, and Steve Rogerson, our research oenologist.

The Vintage Port Site is Mobile

pmp@civilis.net — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:00:00 WEST

Would you like to have information on all your favourite Vintage Ports at your fingertips? Now you can. The Vintage Port Site's Knowledge Base with details of 300 Vintage Ports since 1945 has been optimised for viewing on a mobile device.

Symington Single Quinta Ports 1950-2006, Richard Mayson (The World of Fine Wine)

pmp@civilis.net — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:00:00 WEST

After tasting 19 different Quinta Vintage Ports with Johnny and Paul Symington last winter, UK wine writer and Port expert Richard Mayson writes "The Single-Quinta Vintage Port (SQVP) has well and truly come of age." Read the full article with detailed tasting notes for all Ports from The World of Fine Wine's latest issue (#36) in downloadable PDF.

SFE and the Confraria do Vinho do Porto

pmp@civilis.net — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:00:00 WEST

Symington Family Estates sponsored two new members of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto this year, and went on to win First Place in the Confraria's Regatta of the Barcos Rabelos with the Warre's barco Quinta da Cavadinha.

Master Class and Scholarship for Aspiring Masters of Wine

pmp@civilis.net — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 WEST

Portuguese wine professionals are invited to attend a Master Class in Oporto, June 10 through 12, aimed at wine trade professionals who are considering applying to study for the Master of Wine, the wine trade’s most challenging and prestigious qualification.

SFE Vintage Ports at the International Competitions

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:00:00 WEST

Once again in 2012 the three major blind tasting competitions have awarded top honours to Symington Family Estates’ Vintage Ports: nine of our Vintage and Quinta Vintage Ports received one Regional Trophy and a total of 20 Gold and Silver Medals.

Welcome to the Vintage Port Site 2.0

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 WEST

Today the Vintage Port Site has been upgraded with more service and content for Port enthusiasts, whether novice or connoisseur. Read on for full details!

A Dinner in Honour of Paul Symington, Jamie Goode (Wine Anorak) | http://www.wineanorak.com/wineblog/portugal/a-dinner-in-honour-of-paul-symington-with-1945-graham

pmp@civilis.net — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:00:00 WEST

Decanter Magazine awarded Paul Symington Man of the Year 2012. He accepted on behalf of the entire family, and UK wine writer Jamie Goode attended the celebratory dinner at The Square in London, and reviews the Ports enjoyed that evening: Graham's 1952 Single Harvest Tawny bottled to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira 1998 and the "truly majestic" Graham's 1945.

Paul Symington Honoured as Decanter Man of the Year (Decanter) | http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/529986/paul-symington-honoured-as-decanter-man-of-the-year

pmp@civilis.net — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:00:00 WEST

In presenting the Man of the Year Award to Paul Symington, Decanter’s publishing director Sarah Kemp said, ‘the Douro has no stronger protector than you… [you are] a dynamic force for good – for your company, for the Douro and for the entire wine world.’

Paul Symington 'Está a fazer se cada asneira no Douro', Cesaltina Pinto (Visão) | http://visao.sapo.pt/paul-symington-esta-a-fazer-se-cada-asneira-no-douro=f662704

pmp@civilis.net — Sat, 05 May 2012 23:00:00 WEST

Interview with Paul Symington about the Port trade and the Douro (in Portuguese).

2010 Quinta Vintage Ports from Symington Family Estates

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:00:00 WEST

The Symington family are pleased to announce their decision to bottle 2010 Vintage Ports from our top quintas. Two of the 2010 Vintage Ports will be released in May for purchase en primeur: the Quinta do Vesuvio and Dow’s Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira.

Sotaque Inglês no Douro, Fernando Melo (Notícias Magazine) | http://www.jn.pt/revistas/nm/Interior.aspx?content_id=2418258

pmp@civilis.net — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:00:00 WEST

Profile and interview of Paul Symington (in Portuguese).

Family Fortunes, Anthony Rose | http://www.anthonyrosewine.com/article/independent/family-fortunes-0

pmp@civilis.net — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:00:00 WET

UK wine writer Anthony Rose writes about the Primum Familiae Vini press lunch held 9 February at 2 Michelin starred Restaurant The Square. Wines reviewed: Graham's 2007 and Graham's 1963.

Paul Symington, Decanter Man of the Year, Andrew Jefford

pmp@civilis.net — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:00:00 WET

Decanter magazine named Paul Symington Man of the Year 2012, but he accepted the award conditionally: “It’s really a family award, which I’m very happy to accept – but only on behalf of everybody.” The magazine calls Paul “the man upholding a wine, a region, a legacy” because of the Symington family’s extraordinary championship of Port wine and the Douro region. He is the first Decanter Man of the Year from Portugal or the Port trade. Update: Clicking the link now downloads a PDF of the full article from the April 2012 issue of Decanter Magazine.

Warre's 2009 Vintage Port Supports Veterans' Charities

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 WET

Last June the Symingtons released a limited edition of just 500 cases of Warre’s 2009 Vintage Port to commemorate the freedom of Porto and committed to donate the proceeds of the sale of the wine in the UK and Portugal to soldier’s charities in each country.

Primum Familiae Vini Lunch, Jamie Goode (Wine Anorak) | http://www.wineanorak.com/pfv_lunch_tasting.htm

pmp@civilis.net — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:00:00 WET

The Symington are proud to be members of the exclusive Primum Familiae Vini; UK wine writer Jamie Good attended the PFV lunch and enjoyed the Graham's Vintage Port 2007 and 1963 which Paul Symington served that day.

Warre's 1972 Colheita "Jubileum"

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:00:00 WET

On the 20th December, 2011 Dominic Symington personally delivered a case of Warre's 1972 Colheita "Jubileum" Port to Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. He writes to tell us more about this special wine and the occasion for its bottling.

Vintage Port for Christmas with James Symington

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:00 WET

The Graham's blogger sent a message round to the Symingtons asking what Ports they were serving in their own homes during the holidays this year. James Symington, Rupert's father, tells us his choices, and shares some of his memories behind those wines. Enjoy! And best wishes for the holiday season from all of us at Symington Family Estates.

Private Cellar Release: Graham’s 1970 and Warre’s 1963

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 WET

The Symington family wanted our customers to have the chance to taste perfection: An extraordinary Vintage Port, at what we consider to be the optimum epoch in its life cycle, the 40 to 50 year mark, which has been stored in ideal conditions.

A tasting of Single Quinta Vintage Ports (1950-2006), Sarah Ahmed | http://www.thewinedetective.co.uk/regional-reports/portugal/symington-family-estates-a-tasting-of-single-quinta-vintage-ports-1950-2006/

pmp@civilis.net — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:00:00 WET

Sarah Ahmed, award-winning UK freelance wine writer, educator and judge reports in depth on the presentation and wines shown at the Quinta Vintage Port tasting in London, "Fronted by Paul and Johnny Symington, the line up of Ports from several quintas and eight different vintages, together with an illuminating powerpoint presentation, made for a compelling tasting. As did the second cousins’ passion, some might say obsession, about the Douro."

Wines That Look Good at Fifty, Heather Dougherty | http://yourliquidassets.blogspot.pt/2011/10/wines-that-look-good-at-fifty.html

pmp@civilis.net — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:00:00 WET

Wine writer and judge Heather Dougherty's article is an excellent introduction to Vintage and Quinta Vintage Ports, based on the Quinta Vintage Port tasting held in London with Johnny and Paul Symington.

Harpers Wine & Spirits Trade Review, Annie Krebiehl | http://www.harpers.co.uk/misc/content/article/11244-blog-anne-krebiehl-on-symington-family-estates.html

pmp@civilis.net — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 WEST

Annie Krebiehl reports on the Quinta Vintage Port tasting hosted in London by Paul and Johnny Symington, confirming that the wines showed the variations in terroir across the Douro and were "a thoughtful reminder that we are apt to miss a lot by just concentrating on the ‘finest’ vintages or the highest scores. These wines showed immense complexity and true beauty – they spoke of soil and season and convinced with authenticity."

Roriz, História de uma Quinta no Coração do Douro

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:00 WEST

This week sees the publication, in Portuguese, of the book Roriz, História de uma Quinta no Coração do Douro by the historian Gaspar Martins Pereira.

Roriz, História de uma Quinta no Coração do Douro

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:00:00 WEST

Da autoria do historiador Gaspar Martins Pereira, vai ser apresentada a história milenar de uma Quinta do Douro, a Quinta de Roriz.

The Joy of Port, Quentin Sadler | http://quentinsadler.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/the-joy-of-port/

pmp@civilis.net — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:00:00 WEST

UK wine educator, consultant and writer Quentin Sadler's blog on the Quinta Vintage Port tasting hosted by Johnny and Paul Symington in London includes an overview of the event and discussion as well as tasting notes for all 18 wines shown.

When the Wine Dream Came True

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:00:00 WEST

Note: The following story was written by Ulf Dalheim, a Norwegian wine journalist for Addressiavisa, who visited Quinta do Vesuvio during the harvest of 2009. This year with the release of the Quinta do Vesuvio 2009 Vintage Port, Ulf has shared his memories of the harvest with readers, along with his tasting notes. You can read the article in Norwegian and see Ulf’s own photos by following this link to Da vindrømmen gikk i oppfyllelse

Warre's Supports Heroes at the Tower

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 WEST

On Wednesday 21st September Warre's and the Symington Family donated bottles of Warre's 2009 Vintage Port to support Heroes at the Tower, a special event to raise funds for Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London.

Douro Harvest Report from Paul Symington

pmp@civilis.net — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 WEST

There are smiles on the faces of wine makers across the Douro as this year’s harvest winds down on yet another day of warm autumn sunshine and our valley has never looked more beautiful. It has been an extraordinary vintage; since the night of the 1st September there has not been a drop of rain in the Douro, we have harvested our grapes under lovely blue skies day after day for five weeks.

Harvest Wrap-Up from Quinta da Cavadinha

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:00:00 WEST

Miles Edlmann wrote, 7 October:

Today we will finish picking. It is another fantastic day, and the weather has been unbelievable all harvest. We are at 440 metres above sea level here, and we are well into October.

Harvest 2011 Status from Charles Symington

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:00:00 WEST

As we come into the last few days of the 2011 Harvest season in the Douro, Charles Symington, head winemaker, has given us his overview.

Harvest at Dow’s Quinta do Bomfim

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:00:00 WEST

Ideally situated on the river in the heart of the Douro region at Pinhão, Quinta do Bomfim has been the backbone of Dow’s Vintage Ports since 1896, the year the quinta was purchased for Dow’s by George Acheson Warre, and the vintage year of one of many legendary Vintage Port declarations for Dow’s.

Harvest at Smith Woodhouse’s Quinta do Vale Coelho

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:00:00 WEST

The Quinta do Vale Coelho (Rabbit Valley) is located on the north bank of the Douro east of Dow’s Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira and opposite Graham’s Quinta do Vale de Malhadas. Here in the Douro Superior conditions are extreme, with hot (often 40º+ Celcius) dry summers and cold winters. Annual rainfall averages around 450 mm, only a little more than half the average in Regua, and a little over a third of the typical coastal rainfall at Porto.

Vintage Report from Warre's Quinta do Cavadinha

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:00:00 WEST

Quinta da Cavadinha, the flagship quinta and winery for the legendary Warre’s ports, is situated in the Pinhão Valley. As the bird flies, it is perhaps 5 km from the Douro, but the torturous Douro roads winding upwards through this valley make it seem much more remote.

Harvest at Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:00:00 WEST

Cockburn's Quinta dos Canais, deep in the Douro Superior, is one of the great quintas of the Douro, and for almost 100 years has been the backbone of Cockburn’s Ports. Its austere beauty dominates a long stretch of the north bank of the Douro beyond Ferradosa. The quinta is immense, spreading over 261 hectares, of which only about 88 are under vine.

Harvest Begins at Quinta do Vesuvio

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:00:00 WEST

Harvest began at Quinta do Vesuvio this week for both Douro DOC and Port wines.

2011 Harvest Outlook

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:00:00 WEST

It is with some pleasure that Charles Symington, head winemaker for Symington Family Estates, has welcomed “useful” amounts of rain at the end of August and again the first few days of September, and looks forward to a ten day forecast of excellent conditions, with clear warm days and cool nights. Our grapes are nearing perfection and we expect to start the harvest at all our Douro quintas and boutique Port wineries over the next week to ten days.

Maintaining Brand Integrity

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:00:00 WEST

We often are asked how can one producer make several different brands of wine and maintain a distinct character for each? Or put differently, is there in fact much difference between the brands, and why should a consumer choose or prefer one brand over another? Does the same person or team make all the Symington brand Vintage Ports, or is there a different team for each brand?

2009 Vintage Launch in Portugal

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 WEST

Yesterday, 7 June, Paul Symington, Chairman of Symington Family Estates, and Charles Symington, Head Winemaker, presented the 2009 Vintage Ports to a group of leading Portuguese journalists, in the impressive setting of Cockburn’s immense Coradas lodge on the hill in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Quinta do Vesuvio 2009 Vintage Port

blogadmin@grahams-port.com — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:00:00 WEST

Symington Family Estates are pleased to declare the 2009 Vintage Port from the famous Quinta do Vesuvio. Only 600 cases (7,200 bottles) of this wine have been produced.

Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira 2009 Vintage Port

pmp@civilis.net — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:00:00 WEST

Dow's are pleased to announce the bottling of just 300 cases (3,600 bottles) of 2009 Vintage Port from its famed Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, located deep in the Douro Superior.

Warre's 2009 Vintage Port

pmp@civilis.net — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:00:00 WEST

Warre's is proud to announce a very special bottling of just 500 cases of Warre's 2009 Vintage Port. This wine commemorates the 200th anniversary of the re-taking of Oporto in 1809 by the Anglo-Portuguese army commanded by Sir Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. Proceeds from the sale of this wine will be donated to veterans' charities in England and Portugal.