Croft Vintage Port 2003 – 375ml

The Winter preceding the 2003 harvest was very wet. Flowering took place in bright warm weather at the end of May in some of the best conditions seen for several years. The first two weeks of August provided the intense Summer heat which often precedes a great port vintage. The second half of August was cooler and two days of rain occurred with perfect timing, ripening off the grapes at the end of the month.
The picking season in September was warm and dry and the yields were even across all grape varieties, ensuring balance and complexity in the wines. Winemakers’ notes highlight the very intense colour and large amount of tannin released by the skins during fermentation, as well as the powerful fruitiness of the young wines.

“This is incredible on the nose and palate. It shows masses of wild black fruits with an almost exotic undertone. Full-bodied, medium sweet and supervelvety. It goes on and on. No doubt one of the best of the vintage. Great Croft here; its single quinta Roêda, must have delivered in 2003. This could be the best Port from here since 1945.” – 95 Points, James Suckling..

“An opaque core with bright ruby rim. The nose just explodes from the glass: blackberry, bilberry, violets, morning dew and cassis all with superb delineation. The palate is full-bodied, magnificent and regal, with better definition and focus than the millennial port. Blackberry, blueberry, that sense of minerality coming through towards the finish, seamless with unnoticeable alcohol. Great finesse on the finish, this is Croft returning to past glories. Outstanding.” – 96 Points, Neal Martin (Robert Parker).

Gold Medal – MUNDUSvini International Wine Awards (Germany) 2006.