Symington's buys Cockburn and Martinez

[David Spriggs]

Big news in the port world! I just read that Symington's has purchased Cockburns and Martinez from Fortune Brands. It looks like Symingtons bought all physical property (vineyards, lodge, existing stocks) and Fortune Brands retains the distibution rights for 20 years. Miguel Corte Real (who we met last year) will stay on to manage part of the business. I really liked what Cockburn and Martinez were doing when I visited last year. Symington's should be able to put some serious money behind them. I have a soft spot for Cockburn, but have been unimpressed by their recent efforts. On the other hand, I've liked the Martinez releases. I am looking forward to seeing what comes of this marriage.

-Dave-

[Tom Archer]

This has been on the cards for some time.

I have to admit to being a bit uneasy about so many brands being under the same umbrella - I hope they are managed with a light touch...

Tom

[Kurt Wieneke]

The 1994 Cockburn's is top drawer, and will turn out to be one of the better of the vintage in my opinion (in due time of course). IIRC, the Quinta dos Canais, their main vineyard source, is right across the river from Vesuvio. Maybe they've "had their eye on it" for years.

[David Spriggs]

I'm a big fan of the 1994 Martinez "Quinta da Eira Velha" - one of the greats from that vintage. I'll have to try the 1994 Cockburn's again soon.

The 2003 Martinez and 2004 Quinta dos Canais barrel samples were a favorite of mine. Here are my tasting notes from the Quinta:

2003 Martinez- Dark! No rim! Fascinating nose – real complexity. Huge mid-palate on this wine! Grip! Tannic, but the tannins are very fine. Really well made. Best Vintage Port so far. Wonderful!! 93 points.
I was disappointed to hear the there is no importer for Martinez in the US any longer.


2004 Quinta dos Canais Touriga Nacional (Barrel Sample) – Super Dark. Awesome nose. Dusty(!). Really fantastic. I could smell this for a long time. Finish is a bit short, but wonderful as a drink now. 89-93 points.

Hopefully, Martinez will return to the US.

-Dave-

[Frederick Blais]

Wow! Impressive news to say the least. I thought that money was not a problem at Cockburn/Martinez, now at least they would benefit from the Symington's expertise!

For me, Cockburn's 2000 Vintage was a ringer as the 1997 was really weak.

[Roy Hersh]

I reported this here back in June and am amazed that folks are surprised or don't remember that. They were in negotiations when I was over there and the deal finalized in late July, just before the Symington's left for their August vacation. They will leave the company to continue in many ways but will help with viticulture etc. Having their marketing prowess can only help.

As I have written before, this consolidation is interesting to watch as a bystander, but like in many other industries, limiting choice is not always a good thing for consumers. Then again, the Symington's are all about quality and I commend them on many of their past purchases like Graham's and Vesuvio to just name two.

[David Spriggs]

Then again, the Symington's are all about quality and I commend them on many of their past purchases like Graham's and Vesuvio to just name two.

I would liken this to the Symington's deal with Quinta de Roriz. It's not like João van Zeller needs a lot of help to make good wine, but the Symington's won't hurt and bring a lot of expertise to the final product.

-Dave-

[Andy Velebil]

Dave, The Symington's also have the capital to put, often much needed, improvements at the Quintas. IIRC, they made signifacant improvements at Graham's when they took it over. Also, the Symington's are "Co-Owners" of Roriz, owned with João van Zeller. Here is a list of what they own or co-own.

Warre’s
Quinta de Cavadinha
Quinta do Alvito and Netas*
Quinta das Andorinhas*
Quinta do Bom Retiro Pequeno

Dow’s
Quinta do Bomfim
Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira
Quinta do Santinho*
Quinta da Fonte Branca*
Quinta de Cerdeira*
Quinta do Atalho

Graham’s
Quinta dos Malvedos
Quinta da Vila Velha*
Quinta de Vale de Malhadas*
Quinta das Lages (25 year lease)

Smith Woodhouse
Quinta da Madalena

Quinta do Vesuvio

Quinta de Roriz (Jointly owned with João van Zeller)

Quinta da Perdiz (Jointly owned with Bruno Prats)

*Privately owned by members of the Symington family.

And now Cockburn and Martinez.