Croft Vintage Port 2011
Product Information
Country Portugal
Region Douro
Grape Variety Port blend
Vintage 2011
ABV 20%
Buy Croft Vintage Port 2011 for a powerful, opulent expression of one of the Douro Valley’s historic Port houses. Declared from an exceptional vintage, this 2011 Vintage Port combines Croft’s hallmark exotic, fragrant fruit with unusually muscular structure, depth, and finely integrated tannins.
The wine was produced from the outstanding Quinta da Roêda, Croft’s flagship estate, and the heart of its Vintage Port style. The 2011 growing season was exceptionally favourable, with August’s hot, dry conditions broken by rainfall at crucial points in the ripening period. Harvesting at Quinta da Roêda began on 10 September, with long fermentations helping extract remarkable colour and aromatic intensity.
For anyone looking to buy Croft Vintage Port 2011, this is a particularly compelling vintage: rich, scented and immediately characterful, but with the tannic framework and freshness required for long-term bottle ageing.
Croft Vintage Port 2011: Vintage Overview
The 2011 vintage is notable because it combines the luscious fruit and aromatic character associated with Croft with a more powerful and structured profile than some of the house's recent releases.
Croft describes the wine as deep purple-black in colour, with a complex nose revealing blossom and rock rose alongside rich, ripe berry fruit. On the palate, luscious berry flavours are supported by a velvety texture and taut, muscular tannins that provide both structure and length.
Winemaker David Guimaraens specifically highlighted the performance of the historic vineyard plots at Quinta da Roêda, which contributed additional density and depth of flavour. He also noted the quality of the tannins, describing them as silky and well-integrated while retaining a powerful grip on the finish.
What Makes Croft 2011 Different?
The defining feature of Croft Vintage Port 2011 is its balance between seductive fruit and serious structure.
The wine has the exotic, floral personality expected from Croft, but the 2011 vintage brings additional muscularity and concentration. Expect aromas and flavours of blackberry, blueberry, dark currant, black plum and violets, with more complex notes of dried fig, Seville orange, mocha, chocolate and mineral nuances emerging with aeration and age.
This makes 2011 particularly interesting for collectors who want a Vintage Port that offers generosity and approachability alongside the backbone for further development in bottle.
Croft Vintage Port 2011 Critics’ Scores
The 2011 vintage received excellent scores from leading international wine critics:
97 points — Wine Spectator: praised its juicy, rich, and concentrated character, highlighting wild berry, dark currant and plum flavours with orange-infused chocolate and a mocha-filled finish. The critic suggested a drinking window of 2020–2045.
95 points — James Suckling: noted violets, blueberries, and blue slate, followed by a full-bodied palate, chewy tannins, and a very long finish with leafy, nutty, and milk-chocolate nuances.
95 points — Wine Enthusiast: described ripe, dense, and sweet fruit supported by firm tannins, with concentrated black plum and a full-bodied texture. The wine was designated a Cellar Selection for long-term ageing.
95 points — Robert Parker Wine Advocate: Neil Martin found blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberry, and dried fig aromas, followed by a velvety palate underpinned by fine, structured tannins.
17/20 — Jancis Robinson: the vintage is also recorded with a strong 17/20 rating.
These scores make Croft Vintage Port 2011 an excellent choice for collectors seeking a highly rated classic Vintage Port.
Food Pairings for Croft Vintage Port 2011
Serve Croft Vintage Port 2011 at approximately 16–18°C. Its combination of sweetness, acidity, ripe fruit, and tannins makes it especially versatile with strongly flavoured foods.
Try it with Stilton or other blue cheeses, mature cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, chocolate mousse, red-fruit desserts, or dried fruit. It is equally rewarding served on its own after dinner, where the wine's floral and dark-fruit character can take centre stage.
Croft recommends storing the bottle lying down and decanting the wine before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Croft Vintage Port 2011 a good wine?
A. Yes. Croft Vintage Port 2011 is an outstanding, highly rated Vintage Port, receiving 97 points from Wine Spectator and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling and Robert Parker Wine Advocate.
Q. How long can Croft Vintage Port 2011 be aged?
A. The 2011 has the concentration, acidity and structured tannins required for extended bottle ageing. Wine Spectator suggested drinking it from 2020 through 2045, while the producer highlights its ability to develop complexity with age.
Q. What does Croft Vintage Port 2011 taste like?
A. Expect ripe blackberry, blueberry, black plum and dark currant, alongside violets, blossom, dried fig, orange, mocha, chocolate, and mineral notes. The palate is rich and velvety, with firm, integrated tannins.
Q. What food goes with Croft Vintage Port 2011?
A. Blue cheese, mature cheese, dark chocolate, and red-fruit desserts are excellent pairings. It can also be enjoyed by itself as an after-dinner Port.
