CUWS L11 - Taylor's Port

Tasted Wednesday, 26 Jan 2011. Led by Joanna Delaforce.

Taylor's 10 yo Tawny
B+

Perfectly correct, slightly alcoholic nose, red fruits dominated, dried figs. Lifted, lighter, spices, maybe vanilla and cinnamon. Soft round red fruits, generous and lingers in the palate, doesn't just hit and run. Delicious drinking.

Taylor's 20 yo Tawny
A-

Definitely lighter in colour, more coppery amber? Nose is more dominated by dried figs, dried plums, less primary red fruits, evolving to a more nutty complexion. Palate is more restrained, the first hit is not as big as the 10yo, but it lasts longer and far more sustained, and the generosity on the palate is remarkable, velvety. Beautifully poised, an absolute joy to drink.

Taylor's LBV 2004
B+

Dark, deeper dark fruits, alcoholic on the nose, quite strong. Dark fruits, blackberry, dark plums, cassis, liquer like, mint touches, chocolate.Palate hits you rather full on withthe fruits, unapologetically big.

Taylor's Terra Feita 1999
A-

Still plenty of primary dark fruits, touches of mint, herb, a slight hint of burnt tar. Fruits still so forward, dark fruits, palate longer, nice lengthy aftertaste.

Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas 2001
A-(+)

Primary dark fruits, plenty of herbs there, good mint. Palate is large, generous, more textured, still plenty of fruits on the palate, some spice at the back. Theres more body, this is more fun, should age and develop better.

Taylor's Vintage 1985
A-(+)

Lifted nose, seductive, red fruits, floral almost, touches of currants, licorice and pastilles. Plenty of dark fruits still shows, the palate is smooth, generous, lingers for ages. Still has plenty of life ahead of this, which is saying something. Gorgeous.