Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port | 2018

The third declared vintage in a row by Taylor Fladgate, the backbone of this fortified wine comes from Quinta da Vargellas, a "Class A" north-facing amphitheater style vineyard acquired in 1893. An unusually cool vintage from the start, the development of vines was about three weeks behind the warm and dry 2017 vintage, but then July and August brought intense heat, allowing for vintage-worthy concentration of fruit and tannin. In the glass, a dark purple core releases a forest of black fruits, followed by enticing cocoa nib, cherry cordial, and minty flowers. Intensely ripe and layered, the wine digs deep on the palate with long-legged tannins and shiny fruit, signaling great aging potential. A classy gift, regardless of the occasion, Vintage Port remains an underrated and over-performing choice. ~Allegra A