The Fladgate Partnership

The Fladgate Partnership Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and CROFT SINGLE QUINTA PORTS
The Fladgate Partnership, comprised of the Porto houses of Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft, has announced the release of 2OO8 single quinta (“single estate”) vintage ports from all three houses: Taylor Fladgate’s Quinta de Vargellas ($6O for a 75Oml; $35 for a 375ml), Fonseca’s Quinta do Panascal ($6O for a 75Oml; $35 for a 375ml) and Croft’s Quinta da Roêda ($55 for a 75Oml).  The 2OO8 winter was drier and colder than normal, with very little rain between November and March.  A wet April replenished ground water reserves and flowering took place under wet and cold conditions.  As a result, poor set affected all varieties, resulting in lower yields, but with great concentration and flavor.  A key characteristic of the entire vintage was ideal weather conditions with hot days and cool nights perfect for the final ripening of the grapes, but also for the fermentations.  The wines will arrive in the US in September.  Available from Horizon Beverage Company.