1994 Churchill's - Vintage Port HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

Churchill's grew out of one of Port's best-known families. The Grahams had owned Graham's Port until it was sold to the Symingtons in 1970, and Johnny Graham later started a new house named for his wife, Caroline Churchill. The company quickly earned a reputation for Vintage Ports that pair rich fruit with firm tannic structure and tend to be drier than those of other houses. The 1994 is a classic example from a celebrated declaration year.

The 1994 predates Churchill's own vineyard holdings, since wines from Quinta da Gricha only began to feature in the Vintage blend with the 2000 vintage. It is a blend of traditional Douro varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, made in the house's drier style with plenty of tannin. According to Jancis Robinson, much of the blend stayed in cask at the lodge because vat space was limited before blending.

Now mature, the 1994 shows a ruby-garnet color with a brightening rim. Aromas of dark berries, blueberry, elderberry, and chocolate give way to tar, tea leaf, and spicy tobacco. The palate is elegant and balanced, with fine tannins, lively acidity, and a hint of mineral. Time in bottle has added caramel and dried fruit to a long, finely spiced finish.