"As would be expected of Taylor’s, the fruit is very fine and focused, but the year seems to have given it an additional layer of density and weight. A familiar veil of violet scent hangs over the wine, together with a fragrance of rose petal and wild, minty herbal aromas. On the palate, the wine has beautifully ripe tannins, which integrate perfectly into the mid-palate, providing both structure and volume, and then break out on the finish with a firm wiry, grip. The palate closes with a powerful tide of fresh, complex fruit flowing endlessly through the finish. In the 2018, the Taylor traits of fine fruit and inner power combine seamlessly with the ripeness and depth typical of the vintage.
97 Points Wine Spectator “Remarkably harmonious already, with a beautiful display of unadulterated blueberry, blackberry and plum sauce flavors that fan out, while anise, ganache and cassis accents fill in. So lush and seductive through the finish, it’s nearly drinkable. But just wait. Best from 2030 through 2050.” James Molesworth
Aidan Bell. "This has a tremendous thick colour with a huge core and fabulous intensity. The nose has notes of violets alongside its’ dark silken fruit, the overall balance is exceptional and the ‘completeness’ of this wine explains why Taylors have declared the vintage. This is absolutely stunning and will age gracefully for decades. The team believe the quality comes from the old vines at Vargellas that coped so well with the heat stress of the vintage""
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.
The 2018 vintage heralds an unprecedented third consecutive vintage declaration from Taylor's, unique in the company's 328 years.
"The Douro Superior enjoyed a combination of abundant ground water and hot summer weather which often produces great Vintage Port". David Guimaraens - Head Winemaker
"This is very unusual but our principle is that we only declare a classic vintage when the quality is there and this is dictated by the year, not by any other consideration" Adrian Bridge, Managing Director, Fladgate Partnership
