2018 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 2018 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 2018 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 2018 wine vintage was, overall, very successful. For Europe, the 2018 summer was a particular sizzler, in some cases rivalling that of 2003, and had a profound effect on many of the wine regions.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Fun Fact: In 2018, the treadmill celebrated its 200-year anniversary. Originally, it was designed as a torture device. Some may argue it still is!!!
Eurovision Winner: Israel won with the song "Toy" by Netta.
Top Grossing Movie: Avengers: Infinity War.
Portugal: The 2018 Vintage is aptly described by wine makers as a "rollercoaster of a vintage". A drought throughout winter gave way to exceptionally high rainfall and hail in spring. This was followed by sporadic heatwaves throughout summer. Fortunately the spring rains had replenished the water table and the grapes were healthy when it came to selection. In an unusual year such as 2018, the winemakers skills and experience are critical in producing a good wine. Those winemakers who carefully selected grapes prospered. As a result, there is no defining characteristic of the vintage as a whole, such as would be found in a long hot summer. Instead there are some very interesting ports that are more representative of the terroir.
After a run of declared vintages 2016/17 it was highly unlikely that 2018 would be universally declared. Sandeman who did not declare their outstanding 2017 were the fist to declare a classic vintage. This was followed by Sogevinous (Calem, Kopke, Burmester, Barros), Quevedo and regular declarations from Vesuvio and Noval. Surprisingly Taylors declared their 2018 (following 16/17) but will not sell it until 2021. QUANTITIES ARE TINY. Whether it's due to careful selection, Corona virus or just a desire not to overload the market, producers have only produced a fraction of normal volumes (roughly 1/3 of normal production). Read more in our 2018 Vintage Port blog
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40 products found.
Croft Port, 2018
Quinta da Roêda, DOC Douro
Half Bottle
***94 Points - The Wine Advocate***
Very deep purple black at the centre, with a narrow purple red rim. Although the nose displays the seductive, opulent red fruit character which is a familiar feature of Roêda vintage ports, there are also intense, woodland berry aromas which add focus and finesse. As usual, the fruit is wrapped in an envelope of exotic balsamic, minty, eucalyptus scents. The first impression on the palate is of roundness and a rich, velvety texture but there is excellent acidity and well-integrated grippy tannins which emerge on the finish. The finish is powerful and very long with persistent crisp, red berry flavours. …
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Price: $24.27 USD
Stock: 34 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Single Bottle
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: $133.83 USD
Stock: 4 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
MAGNUM 1.5LT
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: $228.46 USD
Stock: 5 in Stock
Dow's, 2018
Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port, DOC Douro
DOUBLE MAGNUM 300cl
Special order Please allow 7 days for delivery
The 2018 Quinta Senhora da Ribeira represents just 8% of the Quinta's production. It is more compact, a bit more standoffish compared to some of the other single quinta 2018s that I tasted. It gradually warms up, revealing marine notes, seaweed and oyster shells tincturing the black fruit. The palate is super-smooth on the entry with plush, saturated tannins, quite spicy and peppery with an assertive, structured finish that is quintessentially Dow's. Superb. 410 cases produced.
One of the classic Douro riverside quintas, Senhora da Ribeira was acquired by George Warre for Dow’s in 1890. Since then, Senhora da Ribeira has been a fundamental component of Dow’s Vintage Ports. …
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Price: $669.16 USD
Stock: 1 in Stock
Palmer Port, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port
Palmer Late Bottled Vintage Port - Exclusive to VWP.
Tasting Notes: This LBV Port is deep in colour, violet, dark red and purple. Very good concentration of mature dark red fruit aromas, with a very typical predominance and blackberries, black cherries, plums’ jam and cassis. Elegant and smooth, Palmers 2017 LBV Port has a great balance and finesse and a very long and fruity finish.
Food Pairing:
This Late Bottled Vintage Port pairs best with goat cheese, almonds, blue cheese, brownies, nuts, and chocolate.
STORAGE
The wine is ready to drink and does not require decanting. The bottle should be kept upright and protected from direct sunlight. …
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Price: $31.09 USD
Stock: 120 in Stock
Quevedo, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro
***90 Points- SILVER Winner - IWC 2024***
This 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port Wine from Quevedo is made from the grapes of a single vintage year, aged longer in casks than traditional vintage ports, and is ready to drink upon release.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with purple highlights, with an intense aroma of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, with subtle hints of spice, chocolate, and eucalyptus. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with flavours of ripe dark fruits, dark chocolate, licorice, and black pepper. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing structure and balance. The finish is long and persistent, with a fruity and slightly spicy aftertaste. …
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Price: $26.97 USD
Stock: 69 in Stock
Quevedo, 2018
Vintage Port - MAGNUM Bottle (1.5L), Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***
Please note that these are MAGNUM (1.5lt Bottles )
Oscar and Claudia Quevedo have recently declared their 2018 Quevedo Vintage port. This follows their acclaimed 2017 Vintage.
2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have a several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Quevedo Vintage port is big and bold on the palate with tons of opulent black fruit. …
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Price: $174.39 USD
Stock: 21 in Stock
Quevedo, 2018
Vintage Port HALF Bottle (37.5cl) DOC Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***
Oscar and Claudia Quevedo have recently declared their 2018 Quevedo Vintage port. This follows their acclaimed 2017 Vintage.
2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have a several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Quevedo Vintage port is big and bold on the palate with tons of opulent black fruit. …
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Price: $44.54 USD
Stock: 16 in Stock
Quevedo, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***
2018 Vintage Port from Quevedo: A very limited quantity was produced with the best grapes of the 2018 harvest. Bottled 2 years after the harvest, the Vintage Port will keep developing inside the bottle and your patience will be rewarded after a few decades.
2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration. …
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Price: $81.04 USD
Stock: 29 in Stock
Quevedo, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
***94 Points - Robert Parker- Wine Advocate***
2018 Vintage Port from Quevedo: A very limited quantity was produced with the best grapes of the 2018 harvest. Bottled 2 years after the harvest, the Vintage Port will keep developing inside the bottle and your patience will be rewarded after a few decades.
2018 was a roller-coaster of a year with an exceptionally wet spring followed by a summer punctuated by heatwaves. Whilst not a general declaration, the ports we have tasted are excellent. Quevedo, who have several prime vineyards, each with their own micro-climate, were able to select the best grapes to blend into their vintage and the result is a port worthy of its declaration. …
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Price: $81.04 USD
Stock: 28 in Stock
Quinta da Devesa, 2018
Vintage Port in presentation box, DOC Douro
***92 Points- Wine Advocate***
Quinta da Devesa Vintage Port is an exceptional wine, produced from carefully selected grapes of the best plots, exclusively from the estate. Vinified traditionally in granite lagares, the ageing process occurred in oak vats before bottling, between the second and third year.
Learn more about Quinta da Devesa
The 2018 Vintage Port is a 50/30 blend of Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, with the rest Sousão, all aged in old balseiros (large upright barrels) for one year. It was bottled May 21, 2020, with 115 grams of residual sugar. …
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Price: $94.56 USD
Stock: 19 in Stock
Barros Port, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Includes Barros gift box as illustrated
The Barros 2018 Classic Vintage is from the heart of the Douro, a wine with a more delicate, mineral and balsamic character. This Classic Vintage is the result of the selection of the best grapes from vines at different altitudes and solar exposures in the Cima-Corgo subregion. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz are the three main grape varieties for this blend, which also comprises a small percentage of Sousão.
With a deep red colour, this Vintage stands out for its perfumed nose, with floral notes well combined with notes of fresh fruit and spice. A voluptuous wine, with well-integrated tannins, juicy, with a firm structure and an engaging finish. …
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Price: $93.28 USD
Stock: 34 in Stock
Burmester, 2018
Sale
Quinta do Arnozelo Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in Wooden Gift Box
**90 Points - Robert Parker**
Only a tiny quantity of Burmester Quinta do Arnozelo Vintage was produced in 2018, using the best grapes from the harvest. This category is increasingly becoming a classic of the Burmester Port house. VWP are Exclusive UK stockists for the 2018 Burmester Vintage Port.
Tasting Notes:
The 2018 Burmester Vintage port is elegant, aromatic and of great finesse. You should expect aromas and flavours of blackberry and black cherry with raisins, figs and chocolate. A wine that is the reflection of Casa Burmester's character and of the Quinta do Arnozelo's exceptional terroir.
Serving Tips & Storage:
When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. …
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Price: $81.04 USD
Stock: 51 in Stock
Calem Port, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in Original Gift Box
***16/20- Jancis Robinson***
Cálem Classic Vintage Ports are born in the Douro Superior and reflect a myriad of terroirs that make up the classic profile of the label. The result of a blend from different plots of the varieties Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão, Cálem 2018 Vintage Port maintains the identity of this historic Port house.
4435 bottles of this Cálem Vintage 2018 Port were produced, in a category that is increasingly becoming a classic of this Port house.
Tasting Notes Concentrated and with a deep purple colour, this Vintage stands out for its aromas of intense ripe black fruit, entwined with pleasant notes of spice and cocoa. …
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Price: $93.28 USD
Stock: 41 in Stock
Kopke, 2018
Quinta de Sao Luiz Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Presented in original Kopke Gift Box
Due to the small production we have been nominated as the exclusive UK stockists for the 2018 Kopke Vintage Port.
Tasting Notes Concentrated and with a deep dark colour, fresh and exuberant on the nose with layered notes of black fruit, this Vintage stands out for its structure and balance, whilst delivering firm tannins, true to the style of Kopke's Vintage Single Quinta. Its crispy acidity combined with the layered Flavours of fruit fresh make this wine engaging, and the intense finish anticipates great ageing potential.
Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. …
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Price: $93.28 USD
Stock: 13 in Stock
Kopke, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port
The 2018 Kopke Late Bottled Vintage Port wine is opaque and deep ebony colour. The nose is dominated by notes of ripe dark stone fruit and hints of cacao and chocolate, already showing the signs of some cask ageing. The mouth is full bodied and tight showing good acidity, fresh tannins as well as a long rich finish. Balancing the intensity of flavours, the Late Bottled Vintage Port is the ideal choice to serve with main courses of meat, like filet mignon encrusted four peppers and veal cutlet with Bérnaise sauce. Its versatility knows no borders, being perfect to combine with an exuberant cheesecake of chocolate mint, a pear and chocolate mille-feuille or simply to enjoy with cheeses of medium intensity. …
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Price: $31.02 USD
Stock: 42 in Stock
Messias, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
The 2018 Messias Vintage Port is a premium port wine produced by Caves Messias, a respected winery in the Douro Valley, Portugal. Vintage Port is crafted only in exceptional years from the best grapes harvested, and it is known for its rich and complex character making it a noteworthy addition to any cellar and a memorable wine to savour on special occasions. Ready to drink now but will mature harmoniously in the bottle until 2050+.
Tasting Notes
Deep, dark ruby or nearly opaque. Rich, concentrated aromas of ripe dark fruits like blackberries, blackcurrants, and plums, with floral notes, spices, and hints of chocolate and licorice. …
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Price: $81.04 USD
Stock: 55 in Stock
Offley Port, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Wine Makers Notes Offley 2018 has deep colour, almost opaque. Aromas of good intensity and complexity, with floral and balsamic notes together with heather, resin, red berries and a light spice. On the palate it has good volume, lively acidity, firm tannins, red berries and black fruits, with a very long, harmonious finish.
Serving Tips & Storage When mature this port will need to be decanted to remove sediment. Serve at room temperature on its own or with steak and blue cheese sauce or vintage mature blue cheeses such as stilton Cashel Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Saint Augur Blue. …
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Price: $90.51 USD
Stock: 28 in Stock
Pocas, 2018
Vintage Port,
Special Collectors Edition
Poças Vintage 2018 is the most pure and perfect translation of how special this year was, and still is, for the Poças family, as they celebrated their first 100 years! This wine symbolizes the memories, stories and strong relationships that are integral to a successful family business. They are the reason why family businesses succeed over so many generations. This Special Collector’s Edition Vintage Port, with a unique design, carries the names of the family and long-standing friends and clients, who participated in the collaborative “lagarada” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the company. …
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Price: $81.04 USD
Stock: 32 in Stock
Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
95 Points - Mark Squires Wine Advocate
94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
The 2018 Vintage Port is a standout offering from one of the most prestigious estates in the Douro Valley. This port is crafted from a blend of traditional Douro grape varieties, sourced from old vines at Quinta das Carvalhas, which is known for producing top-quality, age-worthy port wines.
Tasting Notes
Deep, almost opaque purple with a complex aroma of ripe black fruits, violet, spice, and chocolate. Its full-bodied, robust tannins and deep flavours of dark fruit, chocolate, and minerality make it an ideal choice for aging. Although enjoyed young for its fruit intensity, it will develop complexity and smoothness over time, making it ideal for cellaring. …
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Price: $108.08 USD
Stock: 50 in Stock
Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018
Vintage Port, DOC Douro
Includes Wooden gift Box
***95 Points - Mark Squires- Wine Advocate***
***94 Points - Wine Enthusiast***
The 2018 Vintage Port is a standout offering from one of the most prestigious estates in the Douro Valley. This port is crafted from a blend of traditional Douro grape varieties, sourced from old vines at Quinta das Carvalhas, which is known for producing top-quality, age-worthy port wines.
Tasting Notes
Deep, almost opaque purple with a complex aroma of ripe black fruits, violet, spice, and chocolate. Its full-bodied, robust tannins and deep flavours of dark fruit, chocolate, and minerality make it an ideal choice for aging. Although enjoyed young for its fruit intensity, it will develop complexity and smoothness over time, making it ideal for cellaring. …
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Price: $94.56 USD
Stock: 34 in Stock
Quinta Das Carvalhas, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro
Twin Bottle Gift Pack
This 2018 Late Bottled Vintage Port from Carvalhas is typically made from a single year's harvest, and aged longer in barrels compared to regular vintage ports before being bottled. This aging process allows the wine to mature and soften, making it more approachable upon release.
Tasting Notes
A ready to drink port that divulges a balanced bouquet of mature black cherries, nuances of cistus combined with dark chocolate and hints of wood. Full-bodied, fruity, dense, rich and firm with a great length of flavour, result of the prolonged stay in wood. These LBV Ports are ready to drink upon release but can also benefit from additional aging in the bottle, developing more complexity over time. …
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Price: $60.76 USD
Stock: 20 in Stock
Sandeman, 2018
Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro
***2023 Decanter Gold Award Winner***
Sandeman's Late Bottled Vintages are renowned for their quality and depth of character and have won numerous awards. This Port has been specially selected for a roundness of flavours. Deep ruby colour, almost opaque. Aroma of good intensity and complexity, slightly floral, with notes of bright red fruits, spices, curry, pepper, and some cocoa and chocolate, the result of good maturation and stoniness. It has good volume in the mouth, high-quality, well-polished tannins, well-integrated acidity, and notes of spices, pepper and curry. The finish is long-lasting.
Drink now, it's perfect with chocolate desserts, creamy cheeses or red fruit tarts. …
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Price: $32.38 USD
Stock: 22 in Stock
Sandeman, 2018
Vintage Port
In Original Sandeman Gift Box, DOC Douro
***94 Points- Decanter 2023 Silver Award Winner***
2018 Sandeman Vintage Port. Sandeman did not produce a 2017 Classic Vintage Port in the knowledge that they had something better in the cask. The Single Quinta they produced in 2017 was in my top three Ports of the vintage so everything is looking good for the 2018. The price tag of the 2018 is hefty - well above other declared ports in this year. Early reviews appear to indicate that it merits it status.
Wine Makers Notes.
On the nose intense and precise aromas of blackberry and black cherry combine with herbal nuances, spice and cocoa. On the palate it has a powerful attack, with a lively acidity and firm but ripe tannins. …
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Price: $160.87 USD
Stock: 76 in Stock
São Leonardo by Quinta do Mourao, 2018
Vintage Port, Douro
Violet and opaque colour. Strong aroma, fresh with red fruits, balsamic and floral notes.
Strong density in the mouth, with body but keeping the freshness.
At the end a good aromatic, long and sweet finish.
Learn more about Sao Leonardo by Quinta do Mourao
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Price: $121.60 USD
Stock: 30 in Stock