From the wonderous 2019 vintage in Oporto. "Taylor Fladgate continues to lead the LBV category of Port worldwide, in spite of the fact that many other shippers now also produce an LBV. The wines used to blend Taylor Fladgate LBV were drawn from a reserve of some of the best full bodied red Ports, produced at the 2016 harvest, from grapes grown on Taylor’s own vineyards and on other top properties in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior areas. Deep ruby red with vivid purple highlights on the rim. The first impression is of intense woodland fruit with crisp blackcurrant and blackberry aromas. The nose has a youthful freshness and vigor with bursts of powerful, black berry fruit slowly revealing undertones of raspberry and cherry, scents of wild herbs and discreet warmer notes of licorice and coffee. This elegant and polished LBV displays the characteristic Taylor definition and restraint. The palate is supported by taut, sinewy but perfectly integrated tannins and delivers a surge of powerful woodland berry flavors from the outset which are sustained into the long finish. The character of the 2019 harvest, with its freshness and pure, bright fruit, shines through on this wine. As usual, this LBV shares the precision and elegance of the great Taylor Vintage Ports in a more approachable and early drinking style. "This is complex and powerful, offering notes of ripe but vivid black and blue fruit, crushed violets, coffee liqueur, wet stones and earth. Full-bodied and concentrated with firm tannins and walnuty character. Its not overly sweet and very lively on the palate, showing delicious fruit within the darker spectrum" James Suckling 93/100
