Wine maker notes

Quinta dos Malvedos is rated among the finest vineyard properties in the Alto Douro. It lies on the north bank of the River Douro and its south-facing vineyards and very consistent climate ensure that in nearly every year the property will produce wines of first-class quality. The whole vineyard has the highest ’A’ classification awarded by the controlling authorities. In ’declared’ Vintage years the wines of Malvedos form the fundamental part of the blend which makes up Graham’s Vintage Ports. In many other years when there is not enough top quality wine for Graham’s to declare a Vintage, the wine of Malvedos is nevertheless so fine that it is bottled on its own, unblended, when two years old and left to mature in bottle like other Vintage Ports. Unlike declared Vintages, Malvedos Vintage Port is normally only shipped when ready for drinking by which time it is usually at least ten years old, although it continues to improve for many years more. Graham’s has been offering Malvedos Vintage Port since 1951 and recent years to have been singled out for bottling include 1987, 1988 and 1990. Malvedos Vintage Port throws a similarly heavy crust to Graham’s Vintage Ports and careful decanting is therefore required prior to serving. As with a declared Vintage, careful decanting is essential prior to serving.