2000 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port

First year they included fruit from 3rd property, Quinta do Junco (10%), in addition to Vargellas and Terra Feita. Very deeply coloured, though the colour is a little less vibrant than the Graham’s. More expressive on the nose. Peppery dark berries, pepper and violets. Highly aromatic – Christmas spices, cinammon, sweetness of oak. Darker and so fine on the palate though there is plenty of tannin and structure. Elegant even in youth. Streamlined and showing amazing finesse. Elegance incarnate. (JH)

Very deep purple. Bonfires, fireworks and drama. Big and bold and very modern. Lots there, masses of fripe bold fruit then great whack of both acidity and tannins. This wine is somehow American in its open appeal. Not subtle or devious. Slightly pinched on the finish. (JR)

Bright deep ruby. Brooding, complex aromas of cassis, minerals, graphite, licorice and damp earth; distinct hints of surmaturite. Dense, chewy and powerful, with a saline impression of extract. At once strong and seamless, with penetrating, youthfully primary black fruit flavors that really expand and reverberate in the mouth and on the very long, gripping finish. Exhilarating late note of dark chocolate. By no means a painfully backward Taylor, but structured to evolve for at least 25 to 30 years. (ST) 95+