1967 Taylor Vargellas

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottled in Oporto in 1970; a bottle which had been leaking and was down to a low shoulder fill - survival of the fittest means that this was the first bottle to be opened from the case.

A beautiful deep russet red, clear and brilliant in tone; 50% opaque. Early on this was quite aggressive and alcoholic on the nose. Time in the decanter and glass allowed this to settle down and after a couple of hours this was smelling of fresh rose petals and damp grass - surprisingly attractive given the fill level. On the palate this has an elegance unusual in Taylor's ports, but still has plenty of power and subtle tannins. The fruit is bitter-sweet and filled with dry cinammon sticks; great complexity on the late palate. The aftertaste comes with a generous dose of alcoholic heat, but slowly gives way to a long and powerful finish of cinder toffee and burnt sugar. A very fine glass of port. 92/100. 06-May-16