SERIKOS Vintage Port, DOC Douro ***18.5/20 Jancis Robinson***

Croft has announced the release of the first Vintage Port made from the produce of the old, historic vineyard plots on the company’s flagship property, Quinta da Roêda. Named Serikos, a historical reference to the property’s involvement in the production of silk following the destruction of its vineyards by Phylloxera and to the silken quality of its wines, it will be made available on allocation in very limited quantities.
TASTING NOTES.
Inky black centre in a slender ring of deep purple. The nose opens with a dazzling peacock’s tail of scents and aromas. The rich, ripe fruit, which is a consistent feature of the wines of Quinta da Roêda, has developed a kaleidoscopic complexity, crisp red berry aromas blending with ripe, succulent black fruits and a fresh grapiness. The signature Roêda eucalyptus and rock rose scents merge with hints of crushed mint, fresh citrus notes and a pot-pourri of savoury herbs and dried rose petal. The wine opens a treasure chest of surprising nuances as it develops in the glass. On the palate the wine is thick, dense and silky, packed with opulent fruit and supported by a mesh of tightly-woven tannins. This magnificent expression of the oldest vineyard plots at Quinta da Roêda showcases the old vines’ remarkable qualities and their ability to open doors on unexpected new dimensions of aroma.