1999 Taylor Terra Feita

[jdaw1]

TTF99, because it was seen in Oddbins the single-bottle overpricing hereby acknowledged and I wanted to taste it.

At d+0 very dark, almost black, with a purple rim. The taste is all Taylor backbone, without fruit. Very tannic, strong acidity, drier than medium-sweet. Fruit? Maybe I could convince myself that there’s a trace of plum, but maybe there isn’t. It comes across as a great component of a great port, but not quite complete by itself.

More anon.

[WS1]

Hi Julian,

Terre de Feita 1999 is a quite dry Port. In my eyes also a good one (good structure) but it is also clear that the port is from a weak year. Was on sale in Majetic 2 years ago for 17.75£

regards

WS1

[jdaw1]

D+4hr: much softer. The tannins had lessened, though the acidity hadn’t. Still light late-palate. Other found figs and blackberries; I didn’t, the plums having grown enough to definitely exist. I preferred as a pop-and-pour. Still eminently drinkable port.

My host will post tomorrow, an inch having been saved in the decanter for D+1D.

[JacobH]

At d+0 very dark, almost black, with a purple rim. The taste is all Taylor backbone, without fruit. Very tannic, strong acidity, drier than medium-sweet. Fruit? Maybe I could convince myself that there’s a trace of plum, but maybe there isn’t. It comes across as a great component of a great port, but not quite complete by itself.

That rather accords with the traditional view of the Taylor's blend: Terra Feita provides the structure and Vargellas the fruit and nose. I wonder how well Terra Feita will do in the long term? The older Vargellas were notable for the lack of structure, so it might win the long game.