Churchill’S Estates Grafite 2021 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 89/100

Churchill's Estates Grafite from Portugal's Douro Valley is a balanced, expressive red wine showcasing notes of ripe blackberry, violet, and dried oregano with hints of graphite and baking spice. It's dry and medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity that carries through to an elegant, persistent finish. Serve it at room temperature with braised beef short ribs as the wine's earthy character and structured tannins will complement the rich meat beautifully, or pair it with roasted portobello mushrooms where the wine's savory notes and silky texture will enhance the umami flavors. Winemakers John Graham and Ricardo Pinto Nunes craft this wine from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz sourced from the estate's vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior sub-regions, with about 30% aged for 12 months in French oak casks. Churchill's was founded in 1981 by fifth-generation winemaker Johnny Graham and remains the only British Port wine company established in the past 50 years, now family-owned and operated with his daughter Zoe preparing for the next generation. This wine drinks beautifully now or can cellar for 6-8 years to develop additional complexity.

Food pairings: braised beef short ribs, roasted portobello mushrooms, aged manchego cheese.

Best Beef Wine

Natalie MacLean reviewed this Churchill’S Estates Grafite 2021 for the Vintages release of March 21, 2026.

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Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.

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