TAYLOR FLADGATE Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) 2019 LBV Bottle

Description

Taylor’s Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port stands as a benchmark in its category, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the brand. James Suckling awards it an impressive 93 points, praising its complexity and power with vivid notes of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed violets, and coffee liqueur, underpinned by a mineral character. The deep ruby colour is complemented by an elegant nose that harmoniously blends fresh blackcurrant, cherry, liquorice, and spice. On the palate, the rich black fruit flavors are supported by firm, well-integrated tannins, illustrating the hallmark balance and finesse of Taylor’s style. This LBV is both immediately enjoyable and capable of aging, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable Port experience.

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Late Bottled Vintage, or LBV, is the most popular premium Port style in both England and Canada, representing one in five purchases of Port in the UK and over a quarter of all Port enjoyed by Canadians.

Vintage Port and LBV both present a selection of very fine full bodied red ports from a single year. The fundamental difference between the two styles lies in the way each is matured. Vintage Port is kept in wood for only twenty months or so before being transferred to the bottle where it will continue to age. Late Bottled Vintage, as the name suggests, is bottled later, remaining in wood between four and six years. During this relatively long period of wood ageing, an LBV matures and settles down - it is ready to drink when bottled, does not need to be decanted and can be served by the glass for several weeks after the cork is drawn.

LBV was developed as a high quality but more affordable and immediately drinkable alternative to Vintage port to be enjoyed by the glass on everyday occasions. It was first launched in 1970 by Taylor’s current Chairman, Alistair Robertson, with the Late Bottled Vintage 1965.
Although many other houses now offer this wonderful style of wine, Taylor’s LBV – the original Late Bottled Vintage – remains the benchmark in the category; the first choice of the knowledgeable Port drinker.

Deep ruby colour. The elegant and stylish nose combines fresh, intense blackcurrant and cherry aromas with subtle notes of liquorice and spice. On the palate the rich and concentrated black fruit flavour is supported by firm but well integrated tannins. True to the Taylor’s style the wine shows great balance and finesse.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
This is complex and powerful, offering notes of ripe but vivid black and blue fruit, crushed violets, coffee liqueur, wet stones and earth. Full-bodied and concentrated with firm tannins and walnuty character. Its not overly sweet and very lively on the palate, showing delicious fruit within the darker spectrum. Long and mineral. Drink now or hold.