"Mark Squires (Robert Parker) 93-95/100
The 2015 Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port comes in with 99 grams per liter of residual sugar. This single-quinta Porto was a tank sample when tasted, although the final blend and out of barrel. This has fine precision and a tight, steely edge. It opened with too little concentration, but it kept putting on weight in the glass, showing enough stuffing to balance the steadily increasing power. Fresh and clean, with a fruity finish typical of the vintage, this eventually tightened to the point where the tannins popped up early and often, overwhelming the fruity beginning. This is probably the most backward of the 2015s from the Fladgate Partnership this issue. It might well wind up being the best—although that is not my early bet (see the Fonseca Guimaraens). That also means that it was certainly one of the most difficult to evaluate at the moment. Certainly, it may have the most potential to improve in the cellar. In short, this will need more time, but it looks promising given its impressive structure. Prepare to hold this awhile. It is fashionable these days to dive into Port very young, but the 15 years indicated may not be nearly enough. Drink 2030 - 2065. Wine Advocate August 2017
Richard Mayson 17/20
Vargellas (in the Douro Superior) picked early in 2015 and most of the finest wines had been made before mid-September when there were two days of rainfall. No details of the varietal make-up: closed with underlying ripeness on the nose initially, this quickly opened up to reveal its floral fragrance with a touch of dark chocolate and tar; soft plum and berry fruit on the palate with a touch of all-spice and firm, rapier-like tannins on to the finish. Well-balanced wine for the mid-to-long term.
James Suckling 95/100
This is top class with so much perfume and flower aromas. Violets galore. Full body yet refined and tight with very powerful and polished tannins. This is racy and linear. Turns juicy, fresh and medium sweet. Reminds me of the excellent 1967 Vargellas."
Quinta de Vargellas is pre-eminent among the wine estates of the Douro. Located in the wild and hilly eastern reaches of the Douro valley, it has been prized as a source of the finest Port wines since the 1820s. Today it ranks among the great vineyards of the world.
In years when a Taylor’s Vintage is not declared, the decision may be taken to bottle a Single Quinta Vintage Port. This is made entirely from grapes grown on the Vargellas property and bears the name of the estate on the label.
