2011 Cockburn's, Port, Portugal

The reclaimed, albeit not in the sense of being rescued from the River Douro, Quinta dos Canias, is now in the expert hands of the Symington team. One of the great properties of the last century (I missed last year’s vertical where, apparently, the 1908 triumphed as primes inter pares) Cockburn now has its second declared outing under the new ownership, and leaves the taster with little to declare, other than high praise for the genius of Mr Charles Symington.
 
For a family who make so many wines, the points of difference, the nuances of excellence, are key. Cockburn is a good example, as it is dominated by forward primary fruit, most of it red rather than black. There is a joyful almost tropical mouthfeel, but no shortage of definition and finesse. It is the most feminine member of the family and therefore one of the most teasingly complex. 
Simon Field MW, Port Buyer


In Cockburn, Symington Family Estates have awakened a sleeping giant. Up until the 60s, Cockburn’s Vintage Ports were considered amongst the very finest, a wonderful Port house, blessed with some of the best vineyards in the Douro. Now into the second year of Symington ownership, the focus upon quality has been re-kindled.

The fruit is supremely attractive; concentrated but cool, pure cherry and dark red fruit sits alongside spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. A generous structure fills the mouth but the freshness and precision is the talking point here. There is impeccable balance and integration and the finish is very, very long. This is one of the most refined wines within this Declaration.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager