Taylor's : Vintage Port 2018

All the precision and structure of an exceptional Taylor's Vintage Port

The producer

Founded in 1692 by Job Bearsley, Taylor's is one of the oldest and most respected Port houses, a symbol of an ancestral know-how which has been passed down from generation to generation. Since its inception over three centuries ago, Taylor's has never left the family and has maintained its independence. With vineyards located in the Douro Valley, this Portuguese reference has mastered the entire process of making its Port wines, from the vineyard to the cellar. Particularly famous for its exceptional wines, the estate has built a solid reputation thanks to its Vintage Ports.

The vineyard

Vintage Port 2018 is a blend of the finest wines from the house's three estates: Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta de Junco. Each of these Portuguese estates, located in the Duriense region, has its own unique terroir, providing exceptional richness and complexity to the wine.

The vintage

2018 was characterized by a very dry and hot winter which particularly affected the Douro Valley. Fortunately, from March onwards, heavy rainfall helped to regenerate the soil and the vines. The rest of the season is rather cold and wet and following hailstorms in certain vineyards, the vine is nearly three weeks behind its usual cycle. The summer was dry and hot with a very intense heat wave in August enabling the vines to reach both great balance and perfect maturity. Harvesting began on the 17th of September in ideal weather conditions which continued throughout the harvest.

The blend

Port Blend.

The tasting

Colour

Vintage Port 2018 has an impressive purple-black heart with a fine purple rim.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet reveals the intense brilliance of woody fruits such as blackberry or blackcurrant. The black fruits are expressed through discreet touches of cherry and mocha. Exhuding perfume of rose petal, minty aromas and wild herbs.

Palate

Vintage Port 2018 offers beautifully ripe tannins that provide both structure and volume before bursting into the finish with a firm, stiff grip. The fine fruit combines perfectly with the ripeness and depth, typical of this vintage. This complex fruity freshness permeates the finish with impressive length.