1955 Taylor Fladgate Porto Vintage

The only vintage Taylor’s declared in the 1950s. According to the Fladgate Partnership, ‘one of the most underrated vintages of the century’. Taylor’s own two great vineyards in the Douro, Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta de Terra Feita. Both are categorised grade A – the highest possible rating. In years when Taylor’s produces a classic vintage, wines from these two estates are blended together. As they are some 20 miles apart, and subject to very different micro climates, they combine to produce a powerful, long lived and complex vintage port. In 1955 there was a heatwave at the end of April and early May. Rain at the end of May was beneficial for the flowering. July and August were hot, and at the time of the vintage the bunches were in excellent condition. The general starting date for the vintage was on the 26 September, and a shower on the 22 September did a lot of good. Light rain fell on 2 and 3 October but did no harm, and helped cool the temperature. Mid rose red. This somehow not only looks but tastes rose red. Lovely and lifted and fresh. There's a real core of excitement to this. How lovely! (JR)

Deep rose colour with a pale rim. Lively and alive and fresh. Some graininess on the finish but also a strong suggestion of liqueur. Spicy. Very sweet and satisfying. In fact, one of the sweetest Taylors I can remember tasting. (JR)