TAYLOR’S
TAYLOR'S PORT- A DIVE INTO THE HISTORIC PORT WINE GIANT
In the world of fine wine, few names resonate with such historic significance as Taylor's Port. A hallmark of quality and tradition since its establishment in 1692, Taylor's is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. This esteemed producer has helped shape the Port wine industry with its uncompromising commitment to quality and relentless dedication to preserving the classical art of Port wine production.
A RICH HISTORY
The history of Taylor's is intertwined with the history of Port wine itself. With over three centuries of existence, this distinguished Port house has upheld its values and commitment to producing only the finest Port wines. Taylor's is renowned for its Vintage Ports, crafted from grapes grown on their own properties, a testament to the unwavering focus on quality that has become synonymous with the Taylor's name.
THE ART OF PORT MAKING
The technical details of making Taylor's Port wine are steeped in tradition and precision. The grapes, primarily Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca, are cultivated using the traditional 'Patamares' and 'Cordon de Royat' pruning methods. After harvesting, the grapes are foot-trodden in 'lagares', a technique largely unchanged for centuries.
Fermentation is stopped when the must reaches a specific Baume level, usually between 6.5 and 7.5 degrees, by adding a neutral grape spirit, resulting in a wine with the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. The final Port contains a sugar percentage between 90-110 g/l, an alcohol content of around 20%, preserving the richness and complexity of the fruit.
NOTABLE VINTAGES AND GASTRONOMIC PAIRINGS
Over the years, Taylor's has produced a multitude of noteworthy classic vintages that have stood the test of time, with the 1927, 1945, 1963, 1977, and 1994 vintages standing out as some of the best.
Pairing Taylor's Ports with food opens up a world of gastronomic possibilities. A rich, Vintage Port pairs exceptionally well with robust cheeses, while a Taylor's 10 or 20-Year-Old Tawny can complement anything from foie gras to desserts with nuts and caramel.
THE TRADITIONAL PORT TONGS
Opening a bottle of Taylor's vintage Port is a ceremony in itself. A traditional method involves using Port tongs, heated until red hot and then applied to the neck of the bottle. A moist cloth cools the glass, causing a clean break, after which the Port is typically decanted and enjoyed.
THE PORT INDUSTRY
Taylor's sets a high bar for other Port wine producers. The top echelon of Port producers, alongside Taylor's, includes other illustrious names like Graham's, Dow's, and Warre's, each contributing their unique expressions of this storied wine style.
Taylor's Port embodies the grandeur and tradition of Port wine production. From the meticulous cultivation of vines to the ancient method of opening bottles, every aspect of Taylor's Port exudes a timeless elegance, underscoring why this legendary house remains a benchmark in the world of Port wine.
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David Guimaraens
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Classic Vintage
1900/1904 /1908/ 1912 / 1917 / 1920/ 1922 / 1963/ 1966/ 1970/ 1975/ 1977/ 1980/ 1983/ 1985/ 1992/ 1994/ 1997/ 2000/ 2003/ 2007/ 2009/ 2011/ 2016/ 2017/ 2018
Quinta de Vargellas Vintage:
1987 / 1988 / 1991 / 1995 / 1996 / 1998 / 2001 / 2002 / 2004 / 2005 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015 / 2019
Quinta de Terra Feita
1988 / 1995 / 1996 / 1999 / 2001 / 2005 / 2008 / 2019
Vinha Velha Vintage Ports
1995/ 1997 /2000 /2004/ 2007 /2009/ 2011 /2017
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The Taylor's Port wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style, a testament to their careful winemaking philosophy and expertise. Here's a generalized interpretation of their tasting notes:
Appearance: Taylor's Ports are imbued with an invitingly deep, ruby red color, almost inky in the case of their Vintage Ports, and display a beautiful luminosity in the glass.
Nose: On the nose, Taylor's Ports present a symphony of complex aromas. From lush, ripe black fruit scents like blackberry and cassis, to hints of spice, and often an intriguing, underlying minerality. Vintage Ports show off an additional aromatic layer, with ethereal notes of violets, typical of the finest Ports.
Palate: The taste profile is where these wines truly shine. Taylor's Ports are celebrated for their perfect balance between body, flavor, and acidity. They are robust and full-bodied, teeming with dense, concentrated flavors of dark fruit that echo the nose, often interlaced with nuances of spice, chocolate, or licorice. The sweetness is superbly counterbalanced by a fresh, vibrant acidity that gives the wine an enviable structure and prevents it from becoming cloying. The tannins, particularly in Vintage Ports, are firm but well-integrated, adding an engaging complexity and assuring longevity.
Finish: Taylor's Ports are renowned for their exceptionally long, lingering finish. The elegant harmony of flavors continues to evolve in the mouth long after the wine has been swallowed, a gratifying finale to an already exquisite tasting experience.
Overall, Taylor's Ports are a masterclass in balance, complexity, and finesse, combining power and sophistication in each sip. They are wines that promise an extraordinary journey for the senses.
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1863-single-harvest
1964 Single Harvest
1965 Single Harvest
1966 Single Harvest
1967 Single Harvest
1968 Single Harvest
1969 Single Harvest
1970 Single Harvest
1971 Single Harvest
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Quinta de Vargellas
Quinta de Terra Feita
Quinta do Junco
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https://www.taylor.pt
