NV Taylor Fladgate - Porto Special Tawny

Taylor Fladgate was established in 1692, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Port houses in existence, and it remains unusual among the major shippers in staying independent and family owned to this day. The house is credited with pioneering Late Bottled Vintage Port and holds one of the largest reserves of cask-aged wine in the Douro, a resource it draws on across its entire tawny range. Special Tawny sits at the entry point of that range, offering an accessible introduction to the Taylor Fladgate style before stepping up to the aged 10, 20, and 30 Year Old bottlings.

The wine is built from the classic Douro red varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca, fortified partway through fermentation with grape spirit to halt sugar conversion and raise the alcohol to Port strength. It then rests for a comparatively short period in seasoned oak casks at the firm's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, enough time to pick up gentle wood influence without the deeper oxidative character of the longer-aged tawnies.

The result is a soft, fresh wine with toffee and orange notes layered over gentle berry and nut flavors. Its texture is silky and rounded, with fruit still evident beneath the mild wood aging, making it easy to enjoy on its own or with food. It pairs nicely with toasted walnuts, dried apricots, or a creamy blue cheese.