At a glance

Producer

Croft

Region

Douro Valley, Portugal

Grape variety

Traditional Port blend (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Souzao, and others)

Wine type

Fortified

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

Approximately $90-$130 USD per 750ml bottle (retail, major merchants, 2024)

Tasting profile

Primary aromas and flavors of black fruits (blackberry, black cherry), dark plums, spices, graphite, hints of chocolate and iron; very tannic and closed with a robust structure.

Evolution: Over 10-15 years, tannins will soften, more tertiary aromas like leather, dried fruits, tobacco and nutmeg will develop, and the wine’s intense fruit will become more harmonious and layered.

At peak: At peak, expect smooth, complex, elegantly structured wine with a balance of concentrated dark fruit, earthiness, spice, and an enduring finish.

Structure

Acidity

Balanced yet bright acidity providing freshness and age-worthiness

Tannins

Firm, powerful, dense and massively structured tannins typical of Vintage Port, still firmly grippy at this young stage

Alcohol

Elevated, around 20% ABV, integrated but contributes to mouthfeel and aging potential

Aging potential

50-70+ years from vintage, with a very long cellaring horizon for this 2017 classic vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2040 to 2060

Optimal window

2030 to 2070

Current status

Needs aging

Current condition

Young, still very tannic and closed, primary fruit and structural elements unintegrated

The peak period reflects the integration of initial tannins and fortified alcohol with fruit complexity evolving into tertiary notes. Early years are dominated by primary fruit and firm tannins; by 2040, the wine’s flavors meld into an elegant, harmonious expression with softened texture. After peak, slow fading of fruit and gradual drying occurs but it can remain enjoyable for many more decades.

Food pairing

Classic pairings include mature cheeses (e.g. Stilton or aged cheddar), rich roasted meats (venison, beef), game dishes, dark chocolate desserts, and nutty desserts like pecan pie. As wine ages, it pairs superbly with dried fruit compotes and spiced desserts.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C (61-64°F)

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Young vintage ports benefit greatly from decanting to aerate, soften tannins, and release aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

The Symington family incorporates sustainable viticulture practices such as controlled yields and maintaining vineyard health but no formal organic/biodynamic certification for this wine.

While the estate works toward improved sustainability, no official certifications are linked directly to this vintage; environmental impact is in line with high-quality, established Port production.