2018 Taylor Fladgate - Vintage Port

Taylor Fladgate is regarded as the benchmark producer of Vintage Port, drawing on more than three centuries devoted almost exclusively to this single category of wine. The house remains family run, led by descendants of the Yeatman and Fladgate families who joined the firm in the 1830s, and its reputation rests heavily on three estates in the Douro: Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita, and Quinta de Junco. Each property brings a distinct character to the blend, and together they form the backbone of Taylor's signature style of restrained power and longevity.

This 2018 Vintage Port marks the third consecutive year Taylor Fladgate declared a vintage, an unusual run reflecting the strength of the harvest, drawn predominantly from Vargellas and Terra Feita. The growing season saw véraison run about three weeks behind normal before an intense August heat wave, tempered by ample groundwater, allowed for gradual, balanced ripening at harvest. As with all Taylor Fladgate Vintage Ports, the grapes were foot trodden and fermentation halted with grape spirit before the wine spent roughly two years resting in large wooden vats, then was bottled unfiltered to continue developing for decades.

The wine shows an opaque, near black core with a narrow purple rim, and an aristocratic bouquet of dense black fruit layered with melted tar, clove, and white pepper. The palate is harmonious and precise, with fine tannins and bright acidity carrying through to a long, polished finish. This is a Port built for long-term cellaring, ideal with a rich dark chocolate dessert.