ABV: 20.5%
Size: 75cl
Country: Portugal
Grape: Port Variety Blend
Description
IN BRIEF
1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is an exceptional offering from one of the most prestigious names in the world of Port wine, celebrated for its quality since the 17th century. This vintage presents a deep, inky ruby colour, hinting at its intensity. The nose is captivating, filled with aromas of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, dark chocolate, and spice, alongside floral and herbal undertones. On the palate, it reveals a rich, full-bodied character with lush fruit flavours complemented by velvety tannins. The long finish leaves a lasting impression of ripe fruit and toasted oak. Rated 96 points by The Wine Advocate and 95+ points by VinoUS, this Vintage Port is perfect for special occasions or pairing with strong cheeses and chocolate desserts.
ABOUT THIS PORT
1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is an outstanding expression from one of the most prestigious names in the world of Port wine. Renowned for its exceptional quality, Taylor Fladgate has been producing fine Ports since the 17th century, and the 1997 vintage stands as a testament to their legacy.
In the glass, this Vintage Port showcases a deep, inky ruby colour, hinting at the intensity and concentration within. The nose is captivating and complex, brimming with aromas of ripe black fruits such as blackcurrants and blackberries, alongside enticing notes of dark chocolate, spice, and a touch of caramel. Hints of floral and herbal undertones add further depth to the aromatic profile, making it incredibly inviting.
On the palate, the 1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port reveals a rich and full-bodied character that is beautifully balanced. The lush fruit flavours are complemented by velvety tannins, showcasing the wine's remarkable structure and elegance. Flavours of plum, fig, and cherry meld together seamlessly, accented by nuances of licorice and spice that provide a complex and satisfying experience.
The finish is long and luxurious, leaving a lasting impression of ripe fruit and subtly toasted oak. This Vintage Port embodies the hallmark characteristics of Taylor Fladgate's style, offering a perfect blend of power and elegance.
Ideal for enjoying on special occasions, this Port pairs wonderfully with strong cheeses, chocolate desserts, or can be savoured on its own as a delightful after-dinner drink. While it is wonderfully approachable now, the 1997 vintage has significant aging potential, allowing it to evolve and develop even more complexity over the years.
Overall, 1997 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is a superb representation of this celebrated producer, delivering an exceptional tasting experience that is sure to impress both collectors and enthusiasts alike.
THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2004 - 2030
Saturated black/purple-colored, with stunning aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and iron, this spectacular vintage port is one of the stars of the vintage. Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin, spectacular concentration and purity, multiple flavor levels, and an evolved, forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
VINOUS 95+ points
Saturated deep ruby. Great minerally aromas of black plum, black cherry, roasted meat and deep spices. Very sweet and very dense, with youthfully backward black fruit, mineral and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with wonderfully ripe, sweet tannins and superb persistence and grip. Has the verve most '97s lack. This may ultimately challenge the great '94. - Stephen Tanzer
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ABOUT TAYLOR'S
Taylor's is one of the oldest and most prestigious Port wine houses, renowned for its exceptional quality and rich heritage. Established in 1692, Taylor's has built a reputation as a premier producer of Vintage Ports, showcasing the finest expressions of the Douro Valley’s unique terroir. The company has remained family-owned for generations and is known for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods combined with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.
The vineyards of Taylor's are located along the steep terraces of the Douro Valley, where the hot and dry climate, coupled with the region's schist soil, creates ideal conditions for growing the indigenous grape varieties used in Port production, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Taylor's Vintage Ports are particularly notable for their intensity, depth, and aging potential, often regarded as some of the finest examples of the style available.
Taylor's Port is distinctive not only for its quality but also for its expertise in producing Vintage Ports, with only a handful of years designated as "vintage" in the wine world. The wines are aged in oak barrels for a short period before being bottled, allowing them to develop complexity and character. Over time, these Ports mature beautifully, gaining layers of flavour and elegance.
In addition to its acclaimed Vintage Ports, Taylor's offers a range of other styles, including Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and tawny Ports, which provide a variety of tasting experiences. The tawny Ports, aged in wood for longer periods, develop rich nutty and caramel flavours, appealing to a broad audience.
Taylor’s is also renowned for its stunning lodge facilities in Vila Nova de Gaia, where visitors can explore the history of the brand, learn about the port-making process, and sample a selection of their exquisite wines.
With a dedication to quality, tradition, and craftsmanship, Taylor's Port continues to be an iconic name in the world of fortified wines, representing the best of what the Douro Valley has to offer and enjoyed by wine lovers around the globe.
