On Tuesday 31st March 2015 we gathered in the Boot & Flogger for a tasting to say goodbye to Magnus, who is returning to Sweden. The theme was initially ‘Blind and informal’, to which DRT added some birthday 1965s.
A slightly sour end note marred an otherwise very good port. Mature fruit, integrated components and a pretty flattering appearance could have made for a near magical experience had it not been for that end note imperfection.
I think I have now had this four times and can say with some certainty that it is the weakest wine of those that were released from this vintage. It is marginally better than Sandeman, but I think that was a very small private bottling.
The Taylor was thin and lacking substance.
Currently available at £260 for the birthday market - don't do it!!!!!
"The first duty of Port is to be red" Ernest H. Cockburn
Bronze in colour, slightly hazy and with an orange coloured rim. Faint toffee on the nose, swirling just releases some harsh tones of higher alcohols. Pleasantly soft on the palate, sweet and caramel-like. There is little fruit and the overall impression is of a port that is hollow and empty except for the caramel flavours. Harshness comes through on the late palate, and plenty of heat. The aftertaste is hot and dry and preceeds a tingling finish. The finish is dry, full of bitter green tannins and caramel. Not a bottle in good condition. 83/100.
Surprisingly less good than the Malvedos.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
