16°C TO 18°C
BOTTLE STANDING UPRIGHT
NOT NECESSARY
DOURO
Temperature
16°C TO 18°C
Late Bottled Vintage 2018
Choose the year:
THE WINES USED TO BLEND CROFT LBV WERE DRAWN FROM A RESERVE OF SOME OF THE BEST FULL-BODIED RED PORTS PRODUCED AT THE 2018 HARVEST. THESE WINES WERE AGED IN WOOD AND THEN BLENDED AFTER SIX YEARS. THE BLENDING PROCESS ENSURES THAT THE WINE IS BALANCED AND COMPLETE AND THAT THERE IS CONTINUITY OF STYLE IN RELATION TO PREVIOUS CROFT LBVS.
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red at the centre fading to a brick red rim. A seductive nose of rich, ripe fruit, aromas of blackcurrant jam, prunes, figs and wild strawberries with a background hint of raspberry cane. You are then hit with notes of leather, dark chocolate and a discreet savoury scent of wild herbs. On the palate the fruit flavours are rich and intense but display freshness as well as opulence. The sturdy but well integrated tannins and the crisp acidity give the wine a firm structure and an attractive lift. A beautifully balanced and complete LBV, with very fine fruit quality.
Pairing Suggestions: Croft LBV is the perfect finish to any meal. It does not need to be decanted and should be served in a generously proportioned wine glass so that its rich fruity nose can be enjoyed to the full. Excellent with fully flavoured cheeses, especially blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort. It is also delicious with desserts made with chocolate or berry fruits.
viticultural year and harvest
The character of the 2018 wines was influenced by an unusual and occasionally challenging viticultural year. This followed a very hot and dry 2017 and, by mid-January, 56% of Portugal, in particular the northeast, had been declared to be in severe drought. Fortunately, March was very wet and the heavy rainfall, totalling 223mm at Pinhão, built up the reserves of ground water which would prove vital during the ripening season. Until the end of June, the weather remained cold and wet, causing mildew in some vineyards, and hailstorms on 28th May caused extensive damage to some properties in the Pinhão area. The vineyard cycle was about three weeks behind that of the previous year, with véraison only occurring in late July. The weather in July was dry and relatively mild but August saw the arrival of intensely hot weather with temperatures well over 40°C being recorded in the Douro Superior area in the first days of August. The heat allowed the cycle to catch up and, although the hot weather continued, the large amount of moisture in the soil resulted in an even and balanced ripening of the grapes. The harvest started at Quinta da Roeda on the 17th September, the picking was done under very hot conditions, with no rain falling during the duration of the harvest. The young Ports show good elegance and freshness of fruit, with good acidity and colour intensity.