Churchill's Cellar Aged Quinta Da Gricha Vintage Port 2005

Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port 2005 has been carefully aged in our private cellars for two decades, allowing it to evolve naturally and reach a remarkable point of balance and expression. With real pedigree and exceptional depth, this is a Vintage Port now entering its ideal drinking window - the perfect way to elevate your Port experience. "A dark purple colour with concentrated blueberry aromas, rich and full-bodied with excellent balance and plenty of grip on the finish, an expressive Single Quinta Vintage Port with typical characteristics of the Quinta da Gricha “terroir”." - Johnny Graham. Quinta da Gricha is located on the South bank of the river Douro between Pinhão and Tua with a North facing aspect. The 50 hectare property comprises a vineyard are of approximately 19 hectares with an altitude of 150-250 meters above sea level. This Vintage Port was sourced exclusively from the old vineyards. THE YEAR The 2004/2005 viticultural year in the Douro was very dry, with total rainfall in the Cima Corgo region at some 60%-70% below the 30 year average. It was also a year of extreme temperatures, very cold during the winter and extremely hot in the summer. Over 50% of the days during June, July and August registered maximum daytime temperatures of over 35ºC. Yields were low due to the summer heat even though the initial potential crop was larger than normal. There were no fungal infections nor parasite attacks but, in view of the lack of moisture, the vines were subjected to severe hydric stress. The older vines and north-facing vineyards such as Quinta da Gricha coped best with the hot and dry conditions.