98 points, James Suckling
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98 points, Decanter
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97 points, Wine Spectator
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95 points, Wine & Spirits
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94-96 points, Wine Advocate
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94 points, Vinous
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
98 points, Decanter
98 points, James Suckling
97 points, Wine Spectator
95 points, Wine & Spirits
94 points, Vinous
94-96 points, Wine Advocate
“Based on fruit from Quinta da Cavadinha in the Pinhão valley, as well as Quinta do Retiro in the Torto and Quinta da Telhada upstream in the Douro Superior, this is mostly a field-blend from old vines backed by Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. It has lovely open floral aromas, so fresh and aromatic, with a touch of green tea leaf. In the mouth it has an underlying dark chocolate concentration with wonderfully pure, sweet plum and wild cherry fruit, backed by fine-grained tannins. It’s wonderfully fresh and lithe, with an expansive finish and near-perfect poise.”
98 points, James Suckling
"Loads of wet earth and grape aromas with hints of stems. Old vine aromas of bark and moss. Full-bodied, sweet and structured with a big kick on the end. Very impressive. Exceptional layers of fruit and energy. A stronger and more muscular Warre. Try after 2028."
97 points, Wine Spectator
“Lush and inviting in feel, with a beautifully creamy texture that lets plum sauce, blueberry reduction and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors glide along effortlessly. Notes of violet, anise and black tea are beguiling in the background before melding seamlessly on the finish. This shimmers with fruit, balanced by depth and spine. Best from 2035 through 2055.”
95 points, Wine & Spirits
“This is an unusually powerful vintage of Warre’s- ‘A huge wine;’ said Craig Ganzer, a rare-wine appraiser who joined our 2017 Porto panel. ‘As big and rich as it is, it’s not clunky or cloying.’ The power and mass comes from different sides, including a heavy drape of oak and a complete range of fruit at what feels like optimal ripeness, with raspberry and darker blueberry notes creating a mouthwatering sensation. Notes of hibiscus and pressed flowers tie directly into the tannins through the wine’s beeswax density. This has the remarkable integration that is a hallmark of the vintage, and a vinous character that should be fascinating to revisit as the wine ages.”
94 points, Vinous
“The 2017 Warre’s Vintage Port is made from some incredibly low yields, the Retiro vineyard cropped at a paltry 470 grams per vines. It has a very concentrated nose. This is higher-toned than the Cockburn’s with macerated black cherries, boysenberry jam, orange rind and a subtle eau-de-vie like element that becomes more pronounced with aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced and very well structured. This has tons of grip, a more masculine and assertive Warre’s compared to recent vintages. The acidity is extremely well judged with layers of black fruit laced with graphite and white pepper towards the prolonged finish. This will require a decade in the cellar to soften those tannins, but it will surely be worth the wait.”
94-96 points, Wine Advocate
"The 2017 Vintage Port is mostly a field blend from old vines (63%), plus 22% Touriga Nacional and 15% Touriga Franca, bottled about a month before this tasting after 18 months in seasoned vats. The just-bottled sample was not actually used for fear it might be in shock, so this is actually a pre-bottling sample. It comes in with 110 grams of residual sugar. Relatively accessible, this still shows some impressive firmness to go with its fine concentration. An elegant wine this may be, as Charles Symington called it, but it is still admirable for its structure, even if the whole package is a little understated. Its fruit and mid-palate are nicely supported by moderate tannins. It evolves well with air, easily showing vivid and fresh fruit. It is beautifully textured as well. This is a fine Warre’s Port, holding its own next to Dow, better than the 2016 Warre and a force in its own right. It is one of the best in a while. It is relatively accessible but not ready."
About The Winery
Founded in 1670, Warre's is the oldest British Port company established in Portugal. Its is the history of two families: the Warres and the Symingtons.The first Warre, William, arrived in Portugal in 1729 and became a partner in the export company Messrs. Clark, Thornton & Warre, which exported Portuguese wine among other goods. By the 18th century, Warre's had become one of the leading companies in the Port trade. The Symington family joined Warre & Co in 1905 and in 1908 became the soul owners. The Symington family, now 5th generation Port producers, have managed Warre's for over 100 years and continue to drive it forwards today. Currently six members of the Symington family are actively involved in Warre's day-to-day management, with the dedication and long-term commitment that are unique to a family-run business.
For 350 years Warre's has been a pioneer in the Port trade, from advances in the winery to viticultural research. Sourced from three vineyards - Quinta da Cavadinha, Quinta do Retiro Antigo, and Quinta da Telhada - the majority of the Port produced is made with modern methods, using state-of-the-art vinification technology, however a small proportion is still produced by the time-honored method of treading.
The Symington family's centuries-long dedication to the Douro is reflected in its status as a B-Corporation. Committed to sustainability, in 2019 Symington Family Estates passed the rigorous certification process to become a B Corporation, where they join a global community of for-profit companies assessed for the highest standards of social and environmental performance and ethical business practices.
For 350 years Warre's has been a pioneer in the Port trade, from advances in the winery to viticultural research. Sourced from three vineyards - Quinta da Cavadinha, Quinta do Retiro Antigo, and Quinta da Telhada - the majority of the Port produced is made with modern methods, using state-of-the-art vinification technology, however a small proportion is still produced by the time-honored method of treading.
The Symington family's centuries-long dedication to the Douro is reflected in its status as a B-Corporation. Committed to sustainability, in 2019 Symington Family Estates passed the rigorous certification process to become a B Corporation, where they join a global community of for-profit companies assessed for the highest standards of social and environmental performance and ethical business practices.
