The 2011 Taylor's Vintage 2011 has a multifaceted, Pandora's Box of a nose that is mercurial in the glass: cassis at first before blackberry and raspberry politely ask it to move aside, followed by wilted rose petals and Dorset plum. Returning after one 45 minutes that nose has shut up shop. The palate is sweet and sensual on the entry, plush and opulent, with copious black cherries, boysenberry and cassis fruit, curiously more reminiscent of Fonseca! It just glides across the palate with a mouth-coating, glycerine-tinged finish that has a wonderful lightness of touch, demonstrating how Vintage Port is so much more accessible in its youth nowadays. But don't let that fool you into dismissing the seriousness or magnitude of this outstanding Taylor's. Tasted May 2013.
Very pretty pure fruit on the nose: crushed berries and minerals with a licorice and graphite undertone. Full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins that are polished and firm. This shows balance and harmony, but remains powerful, muscular and toned. 11,000 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine. Try in 2021.
Powerful, featuring concentrated dark plum and spicy cherry flavors that are finely balanced, showing notes of raspberry preserves. The mocha and wild herb accents are interwoven and supported by powerful tannins. The finish offers intense grip and violet hints. Best from 2020 through 2045.
The nose is deep and brooding yet it has the fragrance of violets rockroses, cedar wood and a hint of nutmeg. There is an intensity of flavour about the palate black cherry mingles with blackcurrant rich deep sumptuous. The fleshy richness is supported by seamless sinewy tannins with the freshness of bilberry and bramble giving a slightly lighter feel at the back bringing out a mix of exotic perfumes.
A dense blue-black colour. Immediately open on the nose with the exotic perfume of violets and cassis; creamy, sweet and opulent. A waft of smoky garrigue and roasted coffee bean complement the plump ripe red berry fruits. Smooth, supple, silky, sexy, rich and elegant with a wonderful succulent texture which caresses the palate. Raisins & cream and a sweetness and velvety texture reminiscent of white chocolate. Less of an obvious powerhouse than the Fonseca but an amazingly intense and seductive wine with great purity focus and balance. A beguiling combination of both concentration, polish, minerality and finesse. Lovely wine.
This wine was placed immediately after the super-opulent Fonseca in the BFT tasting which may have been a mistake. This is restrained. Well mannered, discreet, keeps its powder very dry. But on the palate it opens out in the most superb, burgundian peacock's tail sort of way. Another wonderful wine from The Fladgate Partnership. Utterly different from the Fonseca. Upright and straight backed. But irreproachable. My gums are virtually impervious to sugar and acid but this wine set them vibrating a bit. Dried prunes ground up with rocks. Drink 2040 - 2080.
