Fladgate declares 2024 vintage Ports in smallest release on record

Fladgate Family Wines has declared a 2024 vintage across its three main Port houses – Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft – marking the first time all three have declared in the same year since 2017.

The announcement, made on St George’s Day in line with industry custom, confirms 2024 as a general declaration year, when multiple Port producers release vintage wines from the same harvest.

Production volumes for the 2024 wines are the lowest the company has released, reflecting limited quantities from the harvest. Alongside the three vintage Ports, Fladgate will also release Taylor’s Sentinels, a blend sourced from vineyards in and around the Pinhão Valley.

According to the company, growing conditions in 2024 included a warm summer with sufficient water reserves, followed by a cooler harvest period. Head winemaker David Guimaraens said these conditions allowed for longer fermentations and contributed to the final style of the wines.

The wines were made using centuries-old traditional methods including foot treading, which contribute to the quality of production, according to Fladgate Family Wines.

Managing director Adrian Bridge said the wines show clear differences between the three houses, reflecting their respective vineyard sites.

Vintage Port is only declared in years when producers consider the harvest to be of sufficient quality, and general declarations – when most major houses release – are relatively infrequent. The last such year was 2017.

The 2024 wines will be presented at trade and consumer events in May, including a tasting in London – with flagship event at Christie’s on 18 May – and another in Manchester at The People’s Museum on the following day.

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