A complex and elegant port wine with notes of sun-ripened black fruits, complemented by a hint of strawberry and mango, adding further complexity.
Graham’s The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port is an exceptional port wine created by Charles Symington and Bernardo Nápoles, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship behind Graham’s ports. Made from grapes grown on the west- and east-facing “Port Arthur” vineyards at Quinta dos Malvedos, this port captures the essence of the historic stone terraces.
The hand-built stone terraces at Quinta dos Malvedos date back to the late 18th century, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication that winemakers apply daily. These terraces were carefully restored after being abandoned due to the phylloxera epidemic. Today, the vineyards produce grapes of exceptional quality using traditional viticultural techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.
The terroir of the stone terraces contributes to the distinctive character of Graham’s The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port. While most of the Quinta dos Malvedos vineyards are south-facing, the stone terraces comprise two vineyards with more sheltered aspects. The “Port Arthur” vineyard includes both east- and west-facing parcels, while “Vinha dos Cardenhos” faces north. The schist walls surrounding the terraces have a remarkable ability to capture the sun’s heat during the day, ensuring gradual and even ripening of the grapes. This, combined with the vineyard’s orientation, results in wines of exceptional character.
Various grape varieties are cultivated on the stone terraces, with a significant portion being Touriga Nacional, alongside smaller plantings of Touriga Franca, Sousão, and Alicante Bouschet, all of which contribute to the blend. In 2021, these grapes were hand-harvested and co-fermented to achieve a perfect balance of structure and freshness in the finished wine.
The 2021 vintage benefited from cooler growing conditions and well-distributed rainfall during the harvest, resulting in above-average yields. The Touriga Nacional vines produced over 1 kg of grapes per vine, exceeding the 10-year average. The moderate climatic conditions allowed for slower ripening, leading to wines with outstanding flavor complexity, fresh acidity, and extraordinary elegance.
After tasting the 2021 vintage from Quinta dos Malvedos, the winemakers were impressed by its quality and agreed to bottle it. Deep, ink-like purple in color, with precise acidity and complex notes characteristic of this unique terroir, this wine is a tribute to an exceptional vineyard. This is only the fifth time in history that this micro-terroir Vintage Port has been produced by the Graham’s family.
Graham’s The Stone Terraces 2021 Vintage Port presents fresh and lively notes of blackcurrants and cherry liqueur, followed by tropical mango aromas—a signature characteristic of the Stone Terraces. On the palate, the wine displays exquisite concentration and elegance, with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity beautifully integrated, creating a sublime balance of flavors. Notes of sun-ripened black fruits are complemented by hints of strawberry and mango, adding further complexity. This Vintage Port is an impressive wine that delights the senses now and promises decades of enjoyment.
95 POINTS
James Suckling
“What a polished and beautifully structured vintage port with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with a terrific intensity and brightness. Seems slightly drier than normal for a Graham’s vintage. Fantastically fine tannins. Black berries and tangerines with other tropical fruits. Hints of nuts at the end. Racy and muscular. Needs three or four years to come together.”
