Deep garnet-tawny color; dried fruit, dried cherry, orange peel, apricot, caramel, nuts, spice, tobacco, chocolate, oak on the nose and palate.
Sweet (105.23 g/L, which is on the lower end of sweetness for tawny porto, but elevated ripe fruit concentration makes it feel sweeter, richer ); balancing acidity (4.5 g/L). Fine tannins. Silky mouthfeel. Medium body. Impressive concentration of flavor for a 10 year tawny. 20% ABV
Portos are a blend of grapes, with touriga nacional taking the lead. After fermentation is partially completed at the winery—a very critical moment in porto—a special brandy (77% ABV) or aguardente (literally “firewater” or “burning water”—made from white wine chosen for clean, neutral character and good acidity) is added to stop fermentation, preserve residual sugar, and elevate the alcohol level to that desired for finished porto: 19-22% ABV. The wine then is shipped to Taylor Fladgate’s lodge (cellar) in Vila Nova de Gaia (across the Douro River from Porto) where it is finished. Finishing is a process that can take decades. In this case, the wines were in barrel for an average of 10 years.
Taylor Fladgate is classic porto maker, one of the most respected porto houses in Portugal. Established in 1692, Taylor Fladgate is one of the oldest founding porto houses. It only makes porto. They are renowned for their wood-aged portos and hold one of the largest reserves of rare cask-aged wines, from which it makes it acclaimed tawny portos.
Taylor Fladgate proudly remains family owned. The website notes: “Above all, Taylor Fladgate is an independent company in which some family members play a leading role in all areas of the firm’s activity. The firm’s long and unbroken family tradition has provided continuity and clarity of purpose, essential attributes of any great wine house. It has also allowed the skills and knowledge required to produce the finest ports to be constantly refined and added to in the light of experience as they are passed down from one generation to the next.”
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Porto is a classic 10 year tawny made in distinctive Taylor Fladgate style. Bit less residual sugar and acidity allows fresh, ripe fruit to play an important role in the drama. Very smooth, silky. Standard 20% ABV is coddled by the other elements to avoid hot harshness. Works well as an aperitif. Excellent dessert wine, particularly paired with those featuring caramel, nuts, fruit. Pair with walnuts, roasted almonds; apple pie served with warm caramel sauce. Tiramisu, coffee-flavored cheesecake, espresso crème brûlée. Dark chocolate, dark chocolate truffles. Cheese—superbly versatile with cheese; mature farmhouse cheddar (classic); white cheddar, comté, gouda, manchego; brie, fromage d’affinois; havarti, gruyère, pecorino. $33
Taylor Fladgate website, good video
