At a glance

Producer

Churchill's

Region

Douro DOC, Douro, Portugal

Grape variety

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão

Wine type

Fortified

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$70-$90

Tasting profile

Intense black fruit, cassis, dark chocolate, with firm tannins and fresh acidity. Youthful concentration.

Evolution: Develops secondary aromas of leather, tobacco, exotic spices, and dried fruits with age.

At peak: Profound complexity, silky texture, harmonized tannins and layered fruit depth.

Structure

Acidity

High natural acidity balancing sweetness

Tannins

Firm, ripe, and well-structured tannins

Alcohol

Around 20% ABV (typical for Vintage Port)

Aging potential

40+ years under proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2040 to 2057

Optimal window

2032 to 2057

Current status

Young but increasingly approachable after brief aeration

Current condition

Powerful tannin structure and dense fruit with strong concentration

2017 was a very good vintage in Douro, producing concentrated, structured ports capable of long aging. The sturdy tannins and balanced acidity allow the wine to evolve gracefully over decades, reaching peak drinkability 20-30 years post-release.

Food pairing

Rich blue cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, game meats, roasted duck, and nuts complement the sweetness and robust structure.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — Allows the wine's concentrated fruit and tannins to open up and soften for optimal enjoyment.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Churchill's adopts sustainable farming practices including integrated pest management, water efficiency methods, and limited synthetic chemical use. Packaging uses lightweight glass bottles and recyclable materials where possible.

While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, Churchill’s demonstrates commitment to sustainable farming practices consistent with Douro region standards, applying water conservation, and minimizing environmental impact through vineyard management and efficient packaging.