Taylor Fladgate introduced the LBV category in 1970 to satisfy the demand for a high-quality, ready-to-drink alternative to vintage port. The wines used to blend this LBV were drawn from a reserve of some of the best full-bodied red Ports, produced from grapes grown on estate vineyards and high-quality partner vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior regions. Taylor Fladgate is an area leader in winemaking technology, as one of only three Porto producers to pioneer the development of piston fermenter techniques, called Port Toes, that extract significantly greater flavor and aroma than conventional pump-over fermentation. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Unlike vintage Ports (bottled after two years in wood, with further bottle aging), LBVs are bottled after four to six years in wood, giving them some of the characteristics of vintage Porto but with less time required for bottle aging.

93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2019 vintage
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2019 vintage
Harvest Note
After a warm and dry period of dormancy, the vineyard cycle began slightly early with budburst on March 9th, about a week ahead of the usual calendar. Overall, the growing season was drier and cooler than average although the usual April rains were quite heavy. Grapes began to color (véraison) at around the usual time in mid-July. Although the ripening season began with high temperatures, the weather in the critical month of August was cooler than average with some rainfall to balance the ripening of the crop. The relatively cool conditions and absence of peaks of high temperature have translated into the elegance, crisp acidity and ‘singing’ fruit found in the 2019 wines. Harvesting of red grapes in the eastern areas of the Douro began in hot weather on September 4th and at Pinhão on the 14th. The crop was perfectly healthy and in excellent condition, although yields were almost a tenth lower than the 10-year average.
Tasting Note
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.
Food Pairing
A perfect finish to any meal. Excellent with fully flavored cheeses such as blue cheeses and Stilton or Roquefort. Also pairs well with chocolate or berry desserts.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
APPELLATION: Douro Valley
PH: 3.61
ACIDITY: 4.3 g/l
ABV: 20%
AGING: Aged 4 to 6 years in wood
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 103 g/l
Unique Selling Points
  • A late bottled vintage Porto from the inventor of the category
  • Matured for years in casks, to integrate flavors and create smooth tannins
  • Similar characteristics of vintage Porto but with less time required for bottle aging
  • Ready to drink when bottled

About the Grape

Tinta Amarela
Tinta Amarela makes wines with intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry and tea, bold structure, deep color and excellent depth.
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
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