TAYLOR FLADGATE Vintage Port 1994 Bottle

Description

Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 1994 is a strikingly mature and refined example from a year that produced wines of ripe concentration and enduring structure. The colour is a deep garnet with a clear brick rim that announces advanced development while the core retains depth. The nose is wonderfully layered: stewed black cherry, plum and fig conserve lead, followed by tertiary aromas of leather, cigar box and well worn cedar. With airing the bouquet opens to show dried orange peel, walnut and toasted walnut skins, forest floor and a savoury note of olive tapenade, while a faint balsamic lift and tobacco leaf add complexity.

On the palate the wine is full bodied yet elegantly poised, the sweetness perfectly integrated with bright acidity and polished, mellowed tannins that give backbone and length without astringency. Primary fruit has evolved to dried and stewed tones of raisin, prune and black fruit compote, underscored by dark chocolate, espresso and a subtle coffee roast edge. Mid palate savoury elements of soy reduction and dried herb add depth and serve to balance the richness, while a lingering mineral seam brings focus to the finish.

The 1994 vintage produced Ports with generous fruit and ripe tannins that have matured into harmonious tertiary complexity. This Taylor Fladgate shows the reward of patient cellaring: aromatic development, plush texture and sustained persistence. If there is any sediment decant gently; allow the wine to breathe so the layers of aroma can reveal themselves.

Drink now to 2035. Serve slightly cooler than room temperature in small glasses. Classic pairings include long matured Stilton or other blue cheeses, walnut and dark chocolate desserts, sticky toffee pudding, or a rich nut based tart. This 1994 is a contemplative, food friendly Vintage Port that offers both immediate pleasure and an eloquent sense of age.

JAMES SUCKLING 100 points
This is, to date, the greatest Vintage Port ever from here. A full-bodied, medium sweet and sublime Vintage Port, showing forest fruits and freshly picked blackberries on the palate in the form of a creamy, focused and tannic texture.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points
Drink Date: 2008 - 2045
This classically made, opaque purple-colored wine is crammed with black fruits (blueberries and cassis). It reveals high tannin and a reserved style, but it is enormously constituted with massive body, a formidable mid-palate, and exceptional length.