Taylor Fladgate
Taylor Fladgate 2018 Classic Vintage
VINTAGE
2018
COUNTRY
Portugal
REGION
Douro Valley
TABLE #
307
96
Remarkably harmonious already, with a beautiful display of unadulterated blueberry, blackberry and plum sauce flavors that fan out, while anise, ganache and cassis accents fill in. So lush and seductive through the finish, it’s nearly drinkable. But just wait. Best from 2030 through 2050. 7,800 cases made. — JM
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.
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.
A purple-black core with a narrow purple rim. Black fruit aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant infused with discreet notes of cherry and mocha. The fruit is very fine and focused, but the year seems to have given it an additional layer of density and weight. Signature fragrance of violets, with rose petal and wild, minty herbal aromas. The palate has beautifully ripe tannins, providing both structure and volume, and ends with fresh, complex fruit flowing endlessly through the finish. In the 2018, the Taylor Fladgate traits of fine fruit and inner power combine seamlessly with the ripeness and depth typical of the vintage.
Pairs well with figs, almonds, pecan pie, desserts made with coffee or caramel, and crème brûlée. It can be appreciated at the end of the meal with walnuts or dried fruit, and it can be served cool in the summer.
