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Mentzendorff & Co., importers of the fine products of the The Fladgate Partnership, presented the 2009 declarations at Quo Vadis in Soho, 10:00 to 16:30 Friday 6th May 2011.

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 2009 Taylor;
• 2007 Taylor;
• 2003 Taylor;
• 2000 Taylor;
• 2009 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha;
• 2007 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha;
• 2004 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha;
• 2000 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha;
• 2009 Fonseca;
• 2007 Fonseca;
• 2003 Fonseca;
• 2000 Fonseca;
• 2009 Croft;
• 2007 Croft;
• 2003 Croft;
• 2000 Croft;
• 2009 Skeffington;
• 2007 Skeffington;
• 2003 Skeffington.

Slightly lighter in colour on the rim that the other Taylor Fladgate ports from 2009. Very closed on the nose, showing very faint blackcurrants and rose petal perfume. Lovely texture on the palate - sweet fruit right from the start but with intense tannins lurking just out of sight. The tannins surge forward after a few moments and try to dominate the palate. The fruit is pure, ripe and incredibly perfumed and eventually wins the fight with the tannins. The aftertaste is dominated by black pepper heat and mild coffee tannins with over-ripe blackberries on the very long finish. This is a very complete wine on the palate with huge levels of pure fruit and tannins to match. 92-94