Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
PORT Symington Style WITH THEIR DECLARATION OF THE 2011 VINTAGE, THE VENERABLE DOURO FAMILY SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE DISTINCT WINE STYLES OF ITS MAJOR HOUSES by Timothy Moriarty O n April 15, Symington Family Estates announced that it was declaring 2011 a vintage year for their port companies, including Graham's, Cockburn's, Dow's, Warre's, Quinta do Vesuvio and Smith Woodhouse. The last generally declared year in the Douro was 2007. The wet winter of 2010–11 set the table for a great year, though with typical ups and downs: An unusually warm spring led to early bud burst; a cool, dry summer saw good sugar development but lagging phenolics and stressed vines; but lateAugust rain and weeks of sun in September and October led to a late but successful harvest. The 2011 ports are characterized as having exceptional depth of color and concentration. They are intense and finely balanced with marked minerality, bitter chocolate and berry fruit flavors and with the acidity and tannins to confer long aging. 96 / the tasting panel / july 2013 TP0713_066-99.indd 96 6/24/13 5:49 PM