Graham Stone Terraces, Graham's Port 2011

The inaugural The Stone Terraces comes from two 18th century schist stone terraces in Quinta dos Malvedos, one 1.6 hectares and the other 0.6 hectares, whose exposure and soil have made them stand out over the years. Finally, in 2011 they were picked together and fermented in one lagar that yielded just four pipes. It has startling clarity and minerality on the nose, one of those young Ports where the spirit is so pure that it is difficult to distinguish from an unfortified wine! The palate is silky smooth and slightly honeyed on the entry, leading to a very harmonious, svelte, sensual Vintage Port with copious pure blackberry, cassis and mineral notes that build wonderfully towards the finish. This is captivating, though you will have to fight for one of the 250 cases (individually numbered bottles.) Tasted May 2013.

Fantastic aromas of crushed berries and flowers with hints of minerals. Full body, lightly sweet with a powerful tannin and bright acid backbone. Goes on for minutes. Only 250 cases produced of this mechanically trodden wine from two small stone-terraced vineyards at Quinta dos Malvedos. Try after 2020.