Graham's LBV Port 2011

Oporto, Portugal Wine Advocate 90 points! Decanter 94 points - Silver Medal Winner 2017 World Wine Awards! W & J Graham's history spans three centuries during which time this acclaimed Port producer has remained an independent family business. Graham's is the story of two Scottish families, the Grahams and the Symingtons. The house's commitment to making memorable wines has earned Graham's its reputation as a leader in the production of outstanding Vintage Ports. While Vintage Port spends only two years in casks and then matures in bottle, LBV is aged solely in cask and then bottled at between four and six years old. At the time of bottling it has completed its maturation and is ready for drinking without the need for decanting. Graham's LBV has much of the rich full fruity flavor and 'grip' of Vintage Port, combining this with a softness gained through oak ageing. "The 2011 Late Bottled Vintage Port was bottled with a bar top cork and 111 grams per liter of residual sugar. If I thought the Dow's (reviewed this issue) had big aromatics, this may top it in its youth. Per the house styles, this seems friendlier and more exuberant in fruit flavor. It is just a bit tight, matching Dow's in structure, but the Dow's seems to surpass it in concentration. As often happens with these two houses, it is a matter of pros and cons for what you prefer as a style. This is the sexier, but not necessarily the better.."--Mark Squires, Wine Advocate, 90 points! Graham's LBV Port was selected for its fine quality and value (and for our Portuguese Water Dog, Graham!)