W. & J. Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2004 375ml

W. & J. Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2004 is an exceptional, profoundly expressive, and beautifully structured single-estate Vintage Port that perfectly captures the unique terroir of Graham’s flagship vineyard property. Sourced entirely from the historic Quinta dos Malvedos located in the upper reaches of the Douro Valley, this wine was crafted following a challenging growing season that concluded with an ideal, sun-drenched harvest period in September. In the glass, it exhibits a dense, opaque black-purple color. The highly aromatic and complex nose unrolls an alluring bouquet of rich black cherries, sweet cassis, and fresh blackberries, seamlessly layered with undercurrents of wild mint, dark cocoa, and warming Christmas cake spices. On the palate, this full-bodied fortified wine is intensely concentrated, rich, and voluptuous. It drives a succulent core of juicy dark bramble fruits, ripe plums, and dark chocolate over a smooth, mouth-filling texture. Balanced elegantly by a structural backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins and well-preserved natural acidity, it culminates in an incredibly long, complex, and warming finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs exquisitely with rich dark chocolate tortes, warm blue cheese pecan surprises, artisanal Stilton cheese, or a dish of roasted walnut tarts.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2004 Quinta dos Malvedos comes in at 107 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is a big mouthful, gorgeous from the get-go, young, exuberant and rather delicious. In tasting the trio of 2004 Single Quintas from Symington for this issue (all late released and current releases), this started a hair behind the Dow, but its rich and full-bodied feel may give it an edge this year, at least now. I've often see a Dow come along slowly while a Graham is a bit more open and accessible. We'll see as they develop, but right now this big gulp is the early eye-opener of the three. It's my pick for now, even if only by a hair and even if the 2004 Dow may be the turtle that one day overtakes the hare (wordplay intended). Although a bit more approachable than the Dow, at least on first taste, it should keep well as it does have nice support underneath the fruit.

92 Points - Wine Spectator