Tasting Notes

Opaque black at the centre with a narrow purple rim. Uncompromisingly Taylor’s in style, elegant and precise. The nose is threaded with very fine, linear fruit, heady and complex but restrained by a graphite minerality. Quinta da Vargellas has imprinted its signature fragrance of violets, which hangs like a scented veil over the wine, and there are discreet terroir notes of citrus, wild herbs and gumcistus. The nose is still reserved and discreet but there is impressive depth and background, as well as hints of complexities still to emerge with time. The palate is held in place by lithe, muscular tannins, firm and grippy on the finish, and ends with a powerful surge of crisp, pure berry fruit. A beautifully delineated wine, with the hallmark Taylor’s poise and definition and the tantalising promise of pleasures still to come.

Aidan – "A classic Taylor’s that is incredibly pure and fine. At present I find this quite reserved but you can feel the finesse of the fine grained tannins and the freshness and energy imparted by the old vines. An absolute classic with a fine line of graphite running through to the finish. One for the cellar!"

Property Information

Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman was founded in 1692 and has been family owned and run throughout its history. The name Taylor’s is synonymous with Vintage Port. Taylor’s Vintages are recognized for their understated elegance and austerity in youth and for the inner strength and vigour which makes them among the most long-lasting of all wines, the ultimate collector’s Ports. A hallmark of the Taylor’s style is the distinctive scented quality derived from the wines of Quinta de Vargellas which make up the backbone of the Taylor’s vintage blend. This famous property, which has been renowned for its ports since the 1820’s, was acquired by Taylor Fladgate in 1893 and also produces one of the rarest of all single estate vintage Ports, the legendary Vargellas Vinha Velha. The company’s two Pinhão Valley vineyards, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco, also contribute their robust and powerfully fruity wines to the Taylor’s vintage blend.