Croft Vintage Port 2007
Croft Vintage Port 2007
One of the original founding Port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thomson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. The Croft family, who joined the partnership in 1736 and gave the firm its present name, served the Port trade with great distinction.

Croft is one of the most famous Vintage Port producers. Its reputation derives from its ownership of Quinta da Roêda, one of the finest estates in the Douro Valley, and from such legendary wines as the Croft 1945, recognized as one of the best of that landmark year.
In 2001 this ancient and distinguished firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses and since this return to family ownership has consolidated its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer.

Croft’s Managing Director Adrian Bridge commented: “We were delighted to see the Croft 2003 recognised as one of the top wines of the vintage. Now the outstanding quality of the Croft 2007 will further consolidate the iconic status of this historic firm.”
In 2001 this ancient and distinguished firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses and since this return to family ownership has consolidated its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer.

Croft’s Managing Director Adrian Bridge commented: “We were delighted to see the Croft 2003 recognised as one of the top wines of the vintage. Now the outstanding quality of the Croft 2007 will further consolidate the iconic status of this historic firm.”

Quinta da Roeda

It is the distinctive wines of Quinta da Roêda, with their round supple texture, opulent fruitiness and heady aroma, which are the cornerstone of the Croft Vintage Port style. These characteristics are clearly expressed in the wonderfully scented Croft 2007. Croft’s new family owners have reverted to traditional wine making practices at the Roêda estate and wine maker David Guimaraens commented: “It has been very rewarding to see this superb property express its unique personality to the full following a return to traditional wine making. The 2007 harvest produced beautifully balanced and elegant wines. The Croft 2007 shows wonderful complexity with all the exotic aroma and luscious fruitiness associated with the house style.”

In contrast to the previous four harvests, in 2007 Quinta da Roêda experienced no periods of very intense heat until very late in the summer. Most of the ripening occurred in sunny but relatively cool conditions. Hot weather during the first two weeks of September brought the grapes to maturity. The resulting musts produced stylish and elegant wines, full of vitality, with a superb crisp and concentrated fruit character.

Facing south across the Douro River, Quinta da Roêda benefits from full exposure to the sun. As a result picking on the property began relatively early, on 19th September, some days before most estates in the neighbouring Pinhão Valley.

Croft Vintage Ports have the merit of being supple and approachable when young but retaining a remarkable ability to age, developing layers of rich opulent flavour over decades in the cellar. The Croft 2007 is therefore an excellent choice for those seeking a Vintage Port for early drinking but capable of improving if laid down.

Quantity made: 6,800 cases

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TASTING NOTES
Deep purple black with narrow magenta rim. The heady and powerfully aromatic nose displays a characteristic abundance of rich plump fruit and the exotic notes of eucalyptus and rock rose which are the hallmark of the Quinta da Roêda wines on which the blend is based. Juicy and luscious on the palate, with discreet and well fused tannins and a long generous finish.
Accolades
Neal Martin, www.erobertparker.com, May 2009
“There is a nice limpidity on this Croft 2007. It is not the power that strikes you but the purity...”
“There is a nice limpidity on this Croft 2007. It is not the power that strikes you but the purity with black cherries, liquorices, violets and a hint of iodine. Very tight and focused. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins on the entry, pure blackberry, raspberry, white pepper and Asian spice towards the finish. Very fine focus, very pure and harmonious. Sensuous finish but it just tapers away when I need more grip and assertiveness. Still, this is a lovely Croft.”
Score 93
James Suckling, Wine Spectator, May 2007
“Very pretty aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate, with hints of green leaf. Excellent nose.”
“Very pretty aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate, with hints of green leaf. Excellent nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Medium sweet. Needs a little more grip on the palate and finish.”
Score 89-92
Richard Hemming, www.jancisrobinson.com, May 2009
“Blueberry, cranberry, clove, violets - very opulent. Rich, thick mouthfeel with lovely balance...”
“Blueberry, cranberry, clove, violets - very opulent. Rich, thick mouthfeel with lovely balance of acidity, very approachable, surprisingly soft whilst remaining very concentrated. 20%. Drink 2009-19”
Score 18
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