NV Taylor Fladgate - Porto Tawny Reserve Historical Collection III 'The Mallet'

Taylor Fladgate's Historical Collection celebrates the evolution of the wine bottle itself, with each release cast in a mold inspired by a distinct moment in that history. The Mallet is the third wine in the series, its bottle modeled on the shape that became established in England by the 1730s, marking the transition from the early bulbous "onion" bottles, which could not be laid on their sides and were used mainly to carry wine from cask to table, toward the straight sided cylindrical form that would eventually allow Port to be cellared and aged for decades. The house behind it, founded in 1692, remains devoted to Port wine and draws much of its signature style from Quinta de Vargellas, a historic Douro estate it rescued from near ruin after phylloxera struck in the 1890s.

This tawny is a reserve blend drawn from Taylor Fladgate's cask aged stocks, selected and combined for balance rather than tied to a single vintage or age statement. The component wines mature separately in seasoned oak, where slow, gentle oxidation builds their nutty, dried fruit character, before the blender brings them together to achieve the roundness and finesse expected of the house style.

The wine is round and dense on the palate, with a smooth, silky texture carrying luscious toffee, preserved fruit, and coffee notes into a long, warming finish. Good acidity keeps it lively despite its richness. Enjoy it with toasted hazelnuts, aged Manchego, or a simple dried fruit compote.