Product description
Taylor’s 2017 Vintage Port is released for sale.
The Taylor Fladgate Partnership 2017 Vintage Port Declaration has all the hallmarks of the 2016 Vintage Ports, which were elegant and harmonious, had purity of fruit, a vibrant acidity and firm, beautifully integrated tannins that were of great quality. In contrast, the 2017s are classic ‘old school’ Vintage Ports, deep and intense, with rich, dark, multi-layered fruit and powerful, compact tannins.
Opaque black at the centre with a narrow purple rim. Uncompromisingly Taylor’s in style, elegant and precise. The nose is threaded with very fine, linear fruit, heady and complex but restrained by a graphite minerality. Quinta da Vargellas has imprinted its signature fragrance of violets, which hangs like a scented veil over the wine, and there are discreet terroir notes of citrus, wild herbs and gumcistus. The nose is still reserved and discreet but there is impressive depth and background, as well as hints of complexities still to emerge with time. The palate is held in place by lithe, muscular tannins, firm and grippy on the finish, and ends with a powerful surge of crisp, pure berry fruit. A beautifully delineated wine, with the hallmark Taylor’s poise and definition and the tantalising promise of pleasures still to come.
“Waves of deep blue plums, blueberries and prunes with an enormous intensity that is lifted by a hint of menthol. On the palate the fruit is supported by masses of sweet ripe tannins and notes of black pepper and liquorice. Despite the concentration and power there is a real sense of elegance and balance. Complex with a long lingering finish, this is an exceptional Port.”
John Cawood, Davy’s Wine Merchants
“The 2017 Taylor’s Vintage Port comes from their three quintas: Vargellas, de Terra Feita and do Junco, picking commencing at Vargellas on September 1, the earliest since 1945. Now this boasts a bold and more flamboyant bouquet vis-à-vis the Croft with layers of blackcurrant, blueberries, violet and allspice. Wonderful definition here and as it ratchets up through the gears with aeration manages to maintain impressive delineation. The palate is medium, rather full-bodied. The first impression is one of freshness, completely disguising that summer’s dryness and warmth, a disarming finesse built around the frame of tannins that would have been impossible years ago. It is a silky-smooth Taylor’s, one of the most polished 2017 Vintage Ports with energy and tension flooding through the finish. Aristocratic as ever, totally Taylor’s, yet still translating the growing season with aplomb. Total production is 11,500 cases. 98 points.”
Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2019.
“Deep purple. Dark-fruited, dusky, smoky, full of blackberry and blueberry fruit. Like a bottomless well of fruit, so deep and smooth. Power and polish to the densely layered but welcoming tannins, the power hidden by the fruit depth. As it opens on the nose, there’s a more wild elderberry character and more chocolate on the finish. Amazing length, the tannins creating a paradoxically dry, savoury finish. Even with all this exceptional fruit, it seems more corseted on the palate than some in this vintage. Fladgate MD Adrian Bridge suggested this wine had an aroma of orange blossom and he is right, but I am not sure I would never have identified it without his prompt. Drink 2030-2067. 18 points.”
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, June 2019.
Please enquire regarding other bottle sizes by emailing [email protected].
Offered for sale ‘En Primeur’ under bond. Price shown is per case (6x75cl bottles) and excludes UK duty and VAT which will be charged at the prevailing rate when the wine is released from bond. Onward delivery from bond charges are not included, free delivery on orders above £100 does not apply. Reward Card points are not accruable or redeemable on ‘En Primeur’ or In Bond sales.
