Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 18/20
At least 50% of the fruit is from Roêda Serikos vineyard, a south-west-facing terrace on the right bank near Pinhão. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca. TA 4.71 g/l, pH 3.78, RS 101 g/l. 3,900 cases. Deep purple with wide purple rim. The most red-fruited of all the Fladgate 2017s so far but lots of sweet black cherry too. Much more gentle on the palate than the Fonseca and Taylor’s and less obvious length, or at least much softer and chocolatey as it fades on the palate. This is all about the fruit and has lovely freshness and lively fruit purity. Mouth-watering finish of sweet-sour cherry flavours. (JH) 18 Drink 2026-47
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047
Robert Parker 94
The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend, not quite bottled but the final blend set for bottling in about a week. It was aged for approximately 20 months in French oak and comes in with 97 grams of residual sugar. Fresh and lively, showing vivid fruit and a clean finish, this is also nicely lifted on the finish. It is surprisingly accessible. This is also a bit more expressive at the moment than its SÄ“rikos sibling this issue, but it’s also lighter and a little less powerful. This can be one to approach young, but I wouldn’t do it unless you want to sacrifice complexity and harmony.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060
Vinous 94
The 2017 Croft Vintage Port was picked from August 31, the earliest since 1945. Deep purple in color, the nose is initially standoffish, checking you out before opening intense black plum and crushed violet aromas, orange blossom and veins of Seville orange marmalade. Yet it is extremely well focused, disguising the warmth of the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with a luxuriant, velvety smooth opening that lacquers the mouth. Beautifully balanced, effortless even, it gently seems to roll across the senses towards its surprisingly controlled, clove and bayleaf tinged finish that leaves a discrete tingling sensation on the tongue. Superb and probably one of the 2017 Vintage Ports that will drink sooner than others. Total production is 3,900 cases.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060
