Taylor’s declares 2023 Vintage Port with second release of Sentinels

Taylor’s has announced the release of its Sentinels Vintage Port 2023, only the second bottling under the new Sentinels label introduced last year, continuing its long-standing tradition of vintage declarations on 23 April, St George’s Day. Building on the acclaim of the inaugural 2022 vintage, the 2023 Sentinels Vintage Port once again celebrates the historic vineyards of the Pinhão Valley. It is drawn from four of Taylor’s most prized estates: Terra Feita, Junco, Casa Nova and Eira Velha, all situated within the historic feitoria zone, demarcated in 1756 for the production of the Douro’s finest Ports. The name ‘Sentinels’ refers to the granite posts, or marcos de feitoria, that originally marked this privileged sub-region. It is a nod to the enduring quality and heritage of these vineyards, which have long produced wines of exceptional depth and complexity. Managing director Adrian Bridge said, “We are incredibly proud to introduce Taylor’s Sentinels Vintage Port 2023. This release continues our tradition of producing wines that celebrate the rich heritage of the Douro Valley and Taylor’s estates. Taylor’s Sentinels is a celebration of our heritage, and this latest vintage reaffirms its place among our most distinguished offerings.” Head winemaker David Guimaraens added, “Following the good growing season of 2023 the rainfall that occurred in early September was both welcome for the more stressed vineyards, but also limited the number of fine parcels available to us. One of the defining factors of making vintage port, like Taylor’s Sentinels, is that I can select the best parcels from the properties and blend them together to show the true expression of the Pinhão Valley’s terroir.” Guimaraens also touched on the wine’s longevity: “As with the first vintage, Taylor’s Sentinels Vintage Port 2023 has the potential to age gracefully in the bottle, with a long life ahead. However, it is equally approachable and enjoyable in its youth, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the exceptional character of the Pinhão Valley from the very first taste.” Crafted using a ‘component selection’ approach, the 2023 vintage blend showcases the unique personality of each contributing estate. Differences in altitude, sun exposure and varietal makeup coalesce in a wine of notable refinement and expressive fruit character, displaying the hallmarks of Taylor’s meticulous winemaking.

A season shaped by extremes

The 2023 growing season brought a welcome shift after several years of drought. The Douro’s soils were replenished during a wet winter with 484 mm of rainfall, a stark contrast to the paltry 354 mm recorded during the previous growing season. Budburst began on 18 March, slightly later than average, but was quickly followed by a dry, hot spring that accelerated vine growth. Flowering occurred on 1 May, helped by ideal conditions in the lower-altitude vineyards. May and early June brought 96 mm of rainfall, raising disease pressure and prompting concern over mildew and localised hail. However, the rain also proved beneficial in maintaining essential water reserves. Veraison was observed on 7 July. While July remained within seasonal norms, August turned intensely hot, culminating in two consecutive days above 45°C later in the month. These conditions scorched lower vineyards but helped accelerate ripening in better-protected sites. Harvesting began on 4 September for red grapes, following a timely 13 mm of rainfall on 3 September that boosted final maturation. The harvest was later interrupted by successive rain events, particularly on 10 and 16 September, the latter bringing 60 mm that significantly altered the rhythm of picking. The final phase of the vintage was marked by a determined push to bring in the remaining crop under optimal conditions.

The four Sentinel estates

Quinta De Terra Feita One of the valley’s oldest estates, Terra Feita has contributed to Taylor’s Vintage Ports since the 1890s. Acquired in 1974, it brings depth, richness and a full-bodied profile to the blend with vineyards situated on the warm lower slopes of the Pinhão. Quinta Do Junco Achieving feitoria status as early as 1761, Junco’s steep, south-facing hillsides yield powerful, dense wines that lend structure. Acquired in 1997, it is replanted in vertical rows, exemplifying Taylor’s commitment to quality and sustainability, while its old vines remain a vital asset. Quinta Da Casa Nova Located in Gouvães do Douro, Casa Nova boasts a vineyard planted in 1997, primarily with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Its cooler north-facing slopes offer vital protection in warmer years. Acquired in 1998 alongside Junco, it continues to enhance Taylor’s blend with its balance and aromatic depth. Quinta Da Eira Velha With viticultural roots stretching back over six centuries, Eira Velha occupies a dramatic southeast-facing slope at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers. Acquired in 2007, its elevation and diverse plantings make it one of Taylor’s most treasured properties.