TAYLOR FLADGATE Vintage Port 1994 Bottle

Description

The 1994 Vintage Port from this esteemed producer is celebrated as one of the finest in its class, receiving a perfect score of 100 points from James Suckling, who describes it as sublime and full-bodied, showcasing forest fruits and freshly picked blackberries on a creamy, focused palate. The Wine Advocate awarded it 97 points, noting its opaque purple colour and high tannin structure, packed with black fruits like blueberries and cassis, while promising exceptional length and a formidable mid-palate. Decanter rated it 96 points, highlighting its restrained aromas of plummy fruit, with well-defined berry notes and solid tannins, complemented by dark chocolate depth. Jancis Robinson scored it 18 points, appreciating its elegant, fluid character with spicy damson and silky tannins, suggesting it may be ready to enjoy sooner than other prominent Ports. This vintage is poised for enjoyment now yet promises longevity through 2050.

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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.

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Richard Mayson Part of Star buys of 2015: Spain and Portugal
Drinking Window: 2019 - 2050
A landmark vintage: the 1994s are just coming round to drink and promise a long life ahead (look out for ‘Expert’s Choice’ next month). Restrained aromas with ripe, plummy fruit just emerging. Full and sweet on the palate: well-defined plum and berry fruit backed by solid, ripe tannins with dark chocolate depth and concentration extending through the finish.

JANCIS ROBISNON 18 points
Deep garnet, not as dark as the Graham's. Sweet, more red fruit, spicy damson, spirit still evident. Then some savoury leather. Generous but so fluid, lots of spice. Silky tannins, much less power and darkness than on the Graham’s. Ready earlier? More elegant but perhaps overall less impressive. (JH)