TAYLOR FLADGATE, VINTAGE PORTS

DOURO, PORTUGAL 2017

In excellent vintages such as 2017, most producers can bottle a good wine. But such rare climatic perfection allows great producers to make wines with the structure, complexity, and power to last long into the future. Such is the case with the declared 2017 Port vintage: we’ve enjoyed highlighting some of the top producers and have offered some remarkable expressions, but there’s certainly something to be said for “saving the best for last.” Taylor Fladgate needs no introduction, and many of you have likely been wondering when we’d be offering their 2017 Ports. Rest assured we didn’t forget. Taylor Fladgate holds one of the largest reserves of cask-aged wines, the source of its tawny Ports, and is also credited with the introduction of a Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) style to market; however, above all, Taylor Fladgate is regarded as a benchmark for vintage Port. Unsurprisingly, their flagship 2017 vintage is a knockout and has received up to 100 points from Wine Advocate (at under $100 too for the 750ml). Speaking to the momentous reputation of 2017, today’s offer also includes the incredibly rare Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha, a vintage Port that has only been released eight times in the house’s 327-year history. Both wines will evolve for many decades to come and will likely outlast most of their neighbors. With top scores and amazing potential comes limited quantity so you’ll want to secure your bottles soon. 
 

Taylor Fladgate vintages are sourced from three estates: Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita, and as of 2000, Quinta do Junco. The flagship vintage bottling is traditionally a blend of wines from all three sites: Vargellas is known for structure, elegance, and complexity, while Terra Feita and Junco contribute body, depth, and concentrated fruit flavors. While all three estates are essential to the Taylor Fladgate expression, Vargellas is recognized as one of the most outstanding Port sources and traditionally forms the backbone of top vintages. Located in far eastern Douro Valley, its history of producing quality Port wine grapes dates back as far as the 1820s. Its five plots, all harvested separately, are also the sole source of Vargellas Vinha Velha. Head Winemaker David Guimaraens calls 2017 Vargellas Vinha Velha “a superb example of what the old vineyards are capable of achieving. The wine has all the density and depth of the 2017 vintage but is wonderfully multidimensional.” Without the immediately ripe, lush character contributed by the other estates, it is no surprise that Vargellas Vinha Velha will require patience to fully express its character. Port is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance of late thanks to a series of good vintages, but 2017 is looking to be among the very best. We’ve said it before, but the 2017 Taylor Fladgate quantities are especially limited so purchase your bottles today—they will reward for many years to come.