Taylor’s finest and rarest wine, the very pinnacle of port. Only in a year when everything is perfect does Taylor`s ‘declare’ a vintage. With the company’s reputation at stake, ‘declaring’ is not taken lightly, since it invites a knowledgeable and worldwide audience to judge whether perfection has indeed been achieved. The ultimate collector’s wines, Taylor`s Vintage Ports will last for fifty years or more. They are renowned for their massive structure, concentration of flavor and distinctive ‘masculine’ style. Bottled after two years in wood, they continue to mature for decades in the cellar, slowly attaining the sublime elegance and power which are the hallmarks of the Taylor`s style.

Tasting notes

Taylor Fladgate vintage port is marked by a style which seamlessly marries power and longevity with grace and finesse. Its dense, concentrated black fruit and tannic backbone evolve over time into integrated flavors of dark berry and plum offset by complex notes of leaf, rose petal and chocolate and a long, refined finish.

Rating

Robert Parker 98 points (Oct 2005) The 2003 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port improved each time I raised it to my nose or mouth. It displays a black color and a salty, graphite-laced nose packed with sweet black fruits that is reminiscent of a stellar vintage of Chateau Latour. With air, notes of molasses, burnt sugar, spices, and jammy plums emanate from the glass. Full-bodied, hugely dense, immensely rich, as well as thick, this behemoth is also amazingly balanced and harmonious. Raisins, molasses, licorice, black cherries, plums, and a distinctive note of violets are found in its complex, seamless character. Its interminable finish reveals additional notes of chocolate, kirsch, red as well as black currants, dark cherries, and rose blossoms. Armed with exceptional power, depth, and purity, this Taylor will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest ever crafted by the Fladgate Partnership. Projected maturity: 2035-2060.

Food pairing

They can be enjoyed without food, but cheese is a fine accompaniment, as are nuts or dried fruits.