Fladgate Family Wines has announced the declaration of the 2024 vintage for its three historic houses – Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft, marking the first simultaneous vintage release across all three houses in seven years.
Known for their signature styles, all three houses have released classic vintages that reflect their distinct identities, with production among their rarest and most limited to date.
Adding to the collection is Taylor’s Sentinels, a distinctive blend of wines from historic properties in and around the Pinhão Valley, first released after the 2022 harvest in response to growing demand.
A period of heightened anticipation in the wine trade has emerged in 2024 becoming the first general Port declaration year since 2017.
Taylor’s Port Managing Director and Chairman Adrian Bridge said: “I am delighted to announce our decision to declare these 2024 Vintage Ports from Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft. While this represents our smallest and rarest declaration to date, the wines are of truly exceptional quality.
“We are particularly proud of our distinct house styles, created by the unique terroir of our historic properties across the Douro Valley, which are clearly present in these latest expressions.
“This formidable yet approachable cohort of wines would be ready to relish today with friends, but equally have great potential to be matured in the cellar in anticipation of future enjoyment.”
The premium quality of the 2024 vintage was a result of favourable weather conditions, including a warm growth period, strong soil water reserves and a cooler harvest that ensured balance.
In its winemaking approach, Fladgate Family Wines continues to uphold traditions such as foot treading within this historic winemaking region, contributing to the quality and complexity of the wines.
Taylor’s Port Head Winemaker David Guimaraens added, “We could not have asked for better growth conditions than those of 2024, that were typically warm throughout the summer followed by a cooler harvest period for long fermentations.
“The continued practices of foot treading and co-fermentation have had a significant impact on the house styles remaining unchanged but gaining more intensity.
“The 2024 declaration represents not only the quality of a single year but also a reaffirmation of the discipline required to declare a classic vintage. These wines reflect a season in which nature provided balance, allowing the vineyards of the Douro to speak with clarity, elegance and authenticity.
“This is a vintage of purity and poise – one that captures the enduring spirit of the Douro in its most refined form.”
The vintage expressions will be showcased at a series of events, including a flagship occasion at Christie’s on 18 May and at The People’s Museum in Manchester on 19 May. ✈
