Cockburn's
Cockburn's declare 2003 vintage.
May 3, 2005, 13:45

Cockburn’s Viticultural & Commercial Director, Miguel Côrte-Real described the year as: “Consistently hot and dry, with no surprises and a regular level of rain during the different seasons of the year. The vines have grown with a low but steady level of water, allowing them to make excellent progress.  A fine picking season in September has allowed the harvest to be slightly above average in quantity and the quality was excellent, mainly due to the consistency of the weather”.

Côrte-Real, who has been responsible for the planting of the Company’s 350 hectares of vineyards, went on to say, “It was a good year mainly for Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional allowing a strong maturation of these leading Douro varieties. In September at our Wineries in the Douro Superior the aroma was extremely fruity and fresh, coming from perfect musts fermenting in ideal conditions”.

Cockburn’s has historically been more conservative than other port houses in declaring a vintage, and decision to declare the 2003 has been typically disciplined. “Our blenders have been tasting, categorizing and identifying the wines that might go into the final vintage blend for the best part of two years now,” explained Jim Reader, General Manager & Head of Winemaking. “Only after the most rigorous selection was the final decision taken; it’s been a long, focused, process”. He describes Cockburn’s® 2003 Vintage as “Intense purple colour, with aromas of blackberries and mature plums; full and firm on palate, with a long fruity finish ending with chocolate overtones” and Cockburn’s® Quinta dos Canais 2003 Single Quinta Vintage as “Vibrant colour, with berry fruit tones complemented by floral aromas; beautifully balanced and elegant tannic structure with an agreeably slightly dry finish”.

Although comparisons with previous classic vintage years are inevitable, Reader will not be drawn into comparing the 2003 wines with the highly regarded 1994s and 2000s. Reader added that “any discussion about similarities and differences between years is always stimulating and good fun. But the 2003s will stand up in their own right as they are wonderful wines, just as the wines from 1994 and 2000 are”.

One thing is certain.  It will certainly be worth seeking out a case or two of the Cockburn’s® 2003s when they come to market later this year.

~ends~

Notes to Editors:

COCKBURN’S® is a registered trademark of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine Ltd.