2017 Caves São João 100 Anos de História Vintage Port

The year 2017 will be remembered for the intense heat and historically low precipitation levels. Despite the dry weather, flowering and budding developed under favourable conditions, and in August and September, high temperatures during the day and cool at night allowed for uniform and gradual ripening. The decision to start harvesting early, at the perfect moment of ripeness, allowed the grapes to be received in ideal conditions with fantastic natural acidity. The harvest at the Vale de Mendiz winery began on 24 August under perfect weather conditions, with the musts showing intense colour and strong character.

All components of the 2017 Vintage Port were foot trodden in granite presses with 100% stalk. The wines were racked shortly after harvest, aging in the Douro in casks over the winter. They were subsequently transferred in March 2018 to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The appearance is marked by a wonderful dark purple rim and great depth of colour. The aroma is dominated by young black fruits. It is powerful on the initial palate, leading to a fresh mid-palate with very seductive black fruit flavours. A great combination of power and elegance, with a bold, dry and long finish. The admirable structure of the 2017 Vintage promises a wine with great ageing potential.

(image is for illustrative purposes)