Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca

Aged for 2 years in large, conditioned French oak vats before bottling. Will continue to age in bottle for decades.

The 2018 viticultural cycle had a challenging start but, as the harvest drew nearer, the conditions for making outstanding Vintage Port all fell into place. This was particularly true of the Douro Superior, which enjoyed the combination of intense summer heat and abundant ground water which often produces great Vintage Port. It gave us the excellent phenolic maturity typical of a hot ripening season but the elegance and fresh acidity we normally associate with cooler years. What stands out in the Taylor Fladgate 2018 are its impressive, linear tannins, its depth of aroma and its wonderfully complex multi-layered fruit.

Very deep purple black with a narrow purple red rim. The nose is seductive, with the opulent red fruit character which is a typical of Roêda vintage ports. Intense, woodland berry aromas add focus and finesse. As usual, the fruit is wrapped in an envelope of exotic balsamic, minty, eucalyptus scents. The palate is round with a rich, velvety texture but there is excellent acidity and well-integrated tannins which emerge on the finish. The finish is powerful and very long with persistent crisp, red berry flavors. As always, the 2018 Roêda Vintage is ripe and seductive, but the characteristics of the year and the contribution of the wines from Roêda’s oldest vineyard plots have placed this superb single Quinta Vintage Port at the elegant and restrained end of the spectrum.

Pair with aged cheeses and desserts made with dark chocolate or berries.