2010 Wellington Vineyards Old Vines Port, Sonoma Valley, 500ml
We've been making Port since 1992, when only a couple of other wineries in Sonoma or Napa were making Port.  2010 is our nineteenth, and final, vintage port. Working with the same grapes from our ancient vines, we've had ample opportunity to fine tune our techniques.  We coferment many different grape varieties in the Portuguese tradition, sourced from vineyard blocks planted between 1892 and 1924.  Of all our winemaking techniques, we're a little more secretive about our Port than anything else regarding yeast strains, fermentation temperatures and maceration techniques.

We strive for intensity of character, balance and finesse in all our wines.  Achieving balance in Port can be a tricky proposition, due to the high residual sugar and the higher alcohol levels.  Anyone can make a stable three legged stool, but building a solid chair is a lot trickier.  We pride ourselves on producing Ports that are bold and flavor-packed, but with a fine balance of sweetness, acid, alcohol, body and tannin. We use neutral spirits from grape (high proof, unaged brandy) to maintain focus on the character of the vineyard, and we keep the alcohol level lower than in most ports.

This 2010 port is still dark red with a hint of purple. The nose is dominated by berry and stonefruit aromas, with notes of chocolate, licorice, caramel and spice. This wine is full bodied and rich, yet the ample acidity prevents it from ever being syrupy or cloying. The finish is very long and fruity, with great interplay between alcohol, acid, sugar and tannin. Absolutely fabulous right now, either alone or with traditional port accompaniments such as walnuts and Stilton cheese and non-traditional matches like chocolate truffles. As far as aging potential, I have high confidence this wine will be very enjoyable for at least another 20 years. Our first vintage port, 1992 (made by the seat of the pants in a very small batch) is mature but not yet in decline at 25 years of age.