TAYLOR FLADGATE Vintage Port 1997 Bottle

Description

Taylor Fladgate’s 1997 Vintage Port is from a highly acclaimed year in the Douro Valley. This wine is produced using the finest grapes from the Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta de Terra Feita estates. The 1997 vintage is recognised for its immense structure and longevity, presenting a deep ruby colour and an intense aromatic profile.

On the nose, it offers scents of dark berries, cassis, and liquorice, intertwined with subtle floral and peppery notes. The palate is full-bodied, featuring firm tannins and rich flavours of blackberry and spice. It possesses a long, persistent finish that highlights its balanced acidity. This vintage has exceptional ageing potential and is best enjoyed after decanting, pairing particularly well with blue cheeses or rich dark chocolate desserts.

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

-----

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.