Symington launch 2003 ‘Library Release’

Symington launch 2003 ‘Library Release’

Tuesday 12 November witnessed the ‘Library Release’ of 2003 Dow’s, Graham’s and Warre’s Vintage Ports. Bottles of these wines are being released from the Symington family’s cellars in a new presentation that reflects the provenance of the wine as it has aged over several decades.

The launch is part of a new approach the family are adopting with the re-release of limited quantities of Vintage Ports which they hold back for long-term ageing. Many of these have been aged for two to three decades and have been given the term ‘Library Release’ to indicate that bottles have matured in perfect conditions in the family’s cellars. As part of the family’s meticulous approach to ageing Vintage Port, these bottles have been carefully re-corked to guarantee quality.

The labels of the Library Releases from the three Port Houses have been redesigned to distinguish it from the initial en primeur release. Each Port house has drawn on its heritage and historical aesthetic to create distinct labels and gift boxes that convey key messages about the wine. Furthermore, these labels now show the number of years that the wine has spent ageing in bottle, as well as the bottling and release dates.

This Library Release of Dow’s, Graham’s and Warre’s 2003 Vintage Port were widely acclaimed at the time of their release. The very hot and low-yielding year produced exceptional wines with incredible body and depth. With almost 20 years ageing in bottle, these opulent wines have developed greater complexity making them perfect to be indulged now, whilst still possessing significant ageing potential. We invite you to experience the excellence of these Vintage Ports, a true testament to the Symington Family’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Wine Spectator

2003 Vintage Port Reviews | January 2024
By James Molesworth, Senior Editor, and lead Vintage Port taster:

“This offers up a hedonistic experience, with coffee can bread, ganache, sweet tobacco, steeped plum, blackberry and açaí berry fruit notes.”

Dow’s 2003 Vintage Port – 95 Points

“This muscular and strapping Port is laden with warmed black currant reduction and black cherry pâte de fruit notes that meld steadily with a range of melted liquorice snap, fruitcake and ganache flavours.”

Graham’s 2003 Vintage Port – 96 Points

“Offers a lushly textured set of crushed plum, currant preserves and mulled black cherry notes driving along, staying refined and focused.”

Warre’s 2003 Vintage Port – 95 Points