First released in September of 1997, the 1988 Vintage Port features the exuberant fruit of the Tinta Madeira grape, which composes 70% of the blend. Smaller quantities of Touriga (17%), Souzao (12%) and Tinta Cao (1%) were added to build the wine’s structure and enhance its full array of flavors. Blended early in 1990, this wine was further aged in small oak cooperage before bottling in January 1991, and shows a lush array of plum and cherry flavors. Production: 1,000 cases. Currently available. We hope to offer it periodically through the Portfolio Society.

2000 Beverage Testing Institute (90 points) 1999 Beverage Testing Institute (90 points) 1999 Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition 1999 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition -Best Of Class

Silver Medals

2000 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition 1999 Orange County Fair Wine Competition 1999 Riverside International Wine Competition 1999 San Diego National Wine Competition 1998 Orange County Fair Wine Competition

Bronze Medals

2000 El Dorado County Fair Wine Competition 2000 California State Fair, Sacramento 2000 Riverside International Wine Competition 1999 El Dorado County Fair Wine Competition 1998 Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition 1998 San Diego National Wine Competition

Reviews

The Wine Spectator: "Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port. 88 points. Mature spicy flavors layer nicely with hints of tobacco and leather around a core of sweet plum and black cherry flavor. A soft, mature style of Port, delicious to drink now." The Wine Enthusiast: "There is perhaps no greater testament to the viability of the [Central Valley] region for port than Ficklin's rare older vintages, which only occasionally enter the market...they are impressively rich and ready to enjoy immediately. In that respect, Ficklin's treasures may be some of the best values in the world of rare and exotic American wines." Robert Whitley, San Diego Union-Tribune: "THREE STARS. Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port, Madera. Among the handful of California wineries that regularly produce a vintage Port, Ficklin is the most consistent and hews the closest to the Portuguese model...The '88 is an outstanding example of the richness and balance that Ficklin can achieve. Plummy, with dark cherry undertones and good palate length, it has a clean finish."

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