2018 Taylor Fladgate - Porto Late Bottled Vintage (750ml)
Discover the 2018 Taylor Fladgate Porto Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) in a classic 750ml bottle—a considered, ready-to-drink expression from a house renowned for balance, depth, and aging potential. This Late Bottled Vintage is drawn from a single strong harvest year and aged in oak for several years before bottling, delivering the structure of a vintage port with the accessibility of a ready-to-enjoy wine. Bottled unfiltered, it may deposit a light sediment over time, so a gentle decant is recommended if you plan to savor it now.
Tasting notes
- Appearance: Rich, inky ruby with a touch of garnet at the rim.
- Aroma: Concentrated dark fruit—black cherry, plum, and fig—backed by spice, cocoa, and a hint of black pepper.
- Palate: Lush, fruit-forward flavors of ripe black fruits and dried plum, layered with toasted almond, cocoa, and gentle vanilla from oak aging. Silky tannins provide structure without harshness, balanced by a long, velvety finish.
- Finish: Persistent and refined, with lingering notes of spice and dark chocolate.
Why this LBV stands out
Taylor Fladgate's 2018 LBV captures the year’s ripeness while maintaining elegant proportion and age-worthiness. It’s crafted to express depth without the need for decades of cellaring, offering immediate gratification while still benefiting from time in the bottle. The result is a versatile port that pairs confidently with a range of foods and occasions, from a relaxed after-dinner moment to a more deliberate tasting experience.
Food pairings and serving suggestions
- Chocolate desserts and dark chocolate truffles that enhance the wine’s cocoa notes.
- Aged or blue cheeses (think Roquefort, Gorgonzola) that echo the wine’s savory intensity.
- Nutty cheeses, walnuts, and crème fraîche on toast for balanced contrast.
- Roasted game meats or lamb with herb-crushed potatoes for a savory counterpoint to the wine’s fruit-forward profile.
- Serve slightly cooler than room temperature, around 12–16°C (54–61°F), to emphasize freshness and aroma. If opening in advance, decant to separate sediment and allow aromas to open up.
What to expect from Taylor Fladgate LBV 2018
This LBV style provides the essence of a vintage port with early accessibility, combining intensity, smoothness, and a long, satisfying finish. It’s an ideal companion for festive gatherings, as well as intimate dinners where you want a wine that delivers depth without requiring decades of aging.