2018 Maynard's - Vintage Port (750ml)

Winemaker Alvaro van Zeller began his career at Quinta do Noval, then owned by his family, before he and his brother Fernando launched Barão de Vilar in 1996. Maynard's is the house's flagship brand, named for Walter Maynard, born in 1652, among the first merchants to export Port to England. The range spans Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies, and single-harvest Colheitas.

The 2018 growing season followed an extended drought, with spring rains arriving in such volume that some erosion occurred. A hot summer followed, lowering yields but letting the classic Douro varieties thrive and produce deep, intense, fragrant wines. Taylor's made its third classic declaration in a row, while the Symington family released six single-quinta Vintage Ports. Maynard's Vintage Ports have been made from selected grapes of the Torto Valley, foot trodden in granite lagares.

Vintage Ports from 2018 are typically deep and concentrated, the hallmark of a hot, low-yielding year. Maynard's is known for structured tannins and blackberry fruit, so this bottle suits patient cellaring. Stand it upright and decant before serving.