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

Aged for 2 years in large, conditioned French oak vats before bottling. Then aged 20 years in bottle at Taylor Fladgate Estate.

The Winter preceding the 2003 harvest was very wet. Flowering took place in bright warm weather at the end of May in some of the best conditions seen for several years. The first two weeks of August provided the intense Summer heat which often precedes a great port vintage. The second half of August was cooler and two days of rain occurred with perfect timing, ripening off the grapes at the end of the month. The picking season in September was warm and dry and the yields were even across all grape varieties, ensuring balance and complexity in the wines. Winemakers’ notes highlight the very intense color and large amount of tannin released by the skins during fermentation, as well as the powerful fruitiness of the young wines.

Inky purple black with narrow magenta rim. Classic Taylor nose, with exotic and floral scents like violet set against an impenetrable background of intense dark berry fruit. Stylish and racy palate, displaying a tight fabric of tannins and packed with concentrated grapey flavors which intensify through the seemingly endless finish. Like many other great Taylor Fladgate vintage this wine is an archetype of restrained power, its elegance concealing massive inner strength and stamina.

Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue veined and other richly flavored cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savor the rich and complex flavors of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company.