Taylor's – Vintage Port 2018
Douro, Portugal – Blend of traditional Portuguese grape varieties
A classic and balanced Vintage Port with impressive aging potential
Taylor's Vintage Port 2018 is a model of balance, finesse and power. The 2018 year began with a cool, wet spring, followed by a warm, dry summer. These climatic conditions produced grapes with excellent aromatic concentration and structure. The wine is composed of the best grapes from Taylor's legendary vineyards, including Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco.
Tasting notes
Deep opaque purple with a magenta rim. The nose is intense and refined with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, violets, mint, black tea and exotic spices. On the palate the wine shows a dense core of ripe black fruit, tightly structured tannins, lively acidity and a velvety texture. The long, powerful finish is impressive and energetic.
Food pairing
Perfect with blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort, desserts with dark chocolate, walnuts, figs and other dried fruits. Also delicious as a digestif at a fireside moment or special occasion.
Reviews & Awards
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97 points – James Suckling : “This is a really fine 2018 with superb poise and focus. Lovely aromas of crushed blackberries and violets follow through to a full body with creamy, refined tannins and a very long finish.”
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96 points – Decanter : “Very fine and minerally in style, focused and linear with a wonderful core of fruit and precise tannins. Superb freshness and persistence.”
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95 points – Wine Spectator : “Well-crafted with a sleek feel and lots of tightly knit blackberry, plum and spice flavors. Big but beautifully proportioned.”
Vinification & Maturation
After manual harvesting, the grapes are traditionally vinified by foot pressing in lagares. The wine matures for approximately 20 months in large wooden barrels, after which it is bottled without clarification or filtering. This unfiltered bottling contributes to the longevity and development in the bottle.
Particulars
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Alcohol percentage: 20%
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Serving temperature: 16–18°C
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Maturation potential: up to 2085 and beyond
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Size: 1.5 liter (magnum)
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Bottled unfiltered
Serving advice
Decant the wine well in advance to remove sediment and allow the wine to breathe. Serve slightly chilled at 16–18°C in a large glass for optimum expression.