2011 Cockburn

The Cockburn’s Vintage Port is sourced from their two main vineyards, Quinta dos Canais and Quinta do Vale Coelho, plus a small contribution from Quinta do Cachão de Arnozelo. Around 55% of the blend is sourced from Touriga Naçional vines in Quinta dos Canais, the remainder of the blend 30% Touriga Franca, 5% Sousão and 10% a mixture of old vines. The fruit was picked between September 8 and October 5 at Canais and between September 12 and 30 at Vale Coelho. It has a lifted bouquet with raisin, fresh dates and some lovely tobacco and sandalwood aromas that lend the aromatic profile complexity, although it feels rather compact at the moment. The palate is very well-balanced with a spicy, black pepper-tinged opening and very good structure. There is wonderful focus here, with a refined, clove-tinged finish and a long, spicy aftertaste so you do not forget it in a hurry. The 2011 Cockburn harks back to those classics of yesteryear. Cockburn’s is back. 94-96 points

Beefy nose again. And then massively sweet and intense. Noble structure and really quite dry on the finish. Tense finish after a very broad spread on the start. Balsamic notes. 18.5 points

Great nose here with flowers, leaves and a wet earth character. Full body, lightly sweet with a massive finish. This is muscular, toned and intense. Superb: the greatest ever vintage Port from here! This is tasting much better than from barrel. 3,000 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine. Try after 2024. 98 points