Taylor Fladgate - Vintage Port 2016
Price: $122.95
| Producer | Taylor Fladgate |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Douro |
| Varietal | Port Blend |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 03185 |
Taylor Fladgate Description
Produced only in exceptional vintages worthy of a vintage Porto declaration, Taylor Fladgate Classic Vintage Porto comes from the finest estate vineyards: Quinta de Vargellas, celebrated as one of the top 100 vineyards in the world, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta de Junco. All grapes undergo the traditional foot treading method, ensuring their fullest expression. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Following two years in wood, the wines are bottled unfiltered and will continue maturing for decades.
HARVEST NOTE
Spring was unusually wet, with heavy rain and relatively cool conditions throughout April and May. This restored ground water levels, depleted by the previous year’s drought, and created reserves for the hot summer that was to follow. However, the wet spring conditions also resulted in loss of fruit and a significant reduction in yields. It also delayed the start of the ripening cycle. From early July, hot dry conditions prevailed until well into September. In spite of the heat, maturation was even and gradual. Together with the late start to the cycle, this meant that, at the end of August, the crop was still far from ripe. Some rainfall in mid-September helped to round off the maturation. Producers that delayed picking until after the rains were rewarded with perfect harvesting conditions, with cool nights helping to extend fermentation times. The first grapes were picked at Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas on September 17th, with the Pinhão Valley estates the following week.
TASTING NOTE
Deep purple with a narrow magenta rim. Notes of pure, intense woodland fruit with lively accents of green apple, plum and raspberry. Around this core of bright fruit is a heady aura of herbs. Exotic notes of cedar wood and jasmine provide an additional dimension of complexity. Sinewy, linear tannins that integrate seamlessly into the mid palate and re-emerge to hold the wine in a confident grip. Energized by a racy acidity, the intense berry flavors continue to build into the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Most often served after a meal, alone or with cheese, nuts or dried fruits. It may also be served with fine dark chocolate. The wine should be decanted before serving due to sediment in the bottle.
Wine Enthusiast: 98 Points
Ripe, structured while also fruity, this intense, perfumed Port is opulent while also elegant. Its tannins and great fruit are finely integrated and are rich with potential. Black fruits, berries and a juicy aftertaste add freshness to the wine. Drink from 2028.
-- Roger Voss
Wine Spectator: 98 Points
This is packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors that play off one another, melding with anise, fruitcake and ganache notes. A warm tarry edge coats the finish, revealing an echo of bramble. A seriously grippy, strapping Port, this revels in its power. Best from 2032 through 2055.
–JM
Vinous Media: 97 Points
In 2016 Taylor's began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost "arching" structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port.
-- Neal Martin
