At a glance

Producer

Symington Family Estates

Region

Denominação de Origem Porto (DOP), Douro Valley, Portugal

Grape variety

Touriga Nacional (42%), Touriga Franca (38%), Sousão (9%), Old mixed vines (field blend) (8%), Alicante Bouschet (3%)

Wine type

Fortified

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$120-$180

Tasting profile

Dense black fruit, cassis, dark plums, ink, violets, spice, with firm tannic grip and vibrant acidity.

Evolution: Will develop more complex tertiary notes: leather, cigar box, graphite, dried fruit over 10-20 years.

At peak: Lush, integrated tannins with layered aromas of dried fruit, spice, tobacco, and balsamic complexity.

Structure

Acidity

High, balancing sweetness and aiding aging

Tannins

High and grainy

Alcohol

Typically 19-20% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent – built for decades of aging, easily up to 40+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2040 to 2055

Optimal window

2030 to 2057

Current status

Still very youthful and tannic, not ready for early drinking

Current condition

Very concentrated with robust tannins and acidity; requires extended cellar aging

Vintage Port from top Douro quintas like Bomfim are built to age extensively due to high tannin, acidity, and concentrated fruit. The 2017 vintage, being strong, will benefit from long cellar time to soften tannins and develop complexity, peaking after 20+ years.

Food pairing

Rich cheeses (blue cheese, aged cheddar), dark chocolate desserts, game meats such as venison, and nutty desserts.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Remove sediment and allow the wine to open and soften the tannins before serving.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Energy-efficient winery operations, water recycling, and environmentally friendly packaging have been reported. Vineyards are managed to protect biodiversity and maintain soil health.

While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, the producer’s longstanding commitment to sustainable viticulture, combined with efforts in energy use and packaging, contribute to a relatively strong sustainability profile for a fortified wine. Transportation emissions are balanced by local sourcing and efficient production methods.