TN: 1968 Taylor (Fladgate) Very Old Single Harvest Port Limited Edition

WINE TALK
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  • 1968 Taylor (Fladgate) Very Old Single Harvest Port Limited Edition - Portugal, Douro, Porto (2/20/2025)
    A very generous pour from the host of our tasting, this was a fantastic way to cap off the evening. Predictably golden in color with just the barest hints of rusty red, the fireworks started the moment he opened the bottle. I was across the table and could almost immediately smell the fig/nut/spice melange before anything had been poured. Just a small pour for me, as I had to head home, but just a sip or two contained more flavor than a full glass of many wines. Completely in the developed range, there were the predictable and previously smelled fig and nutty flavors, along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a lip-smacking butterscotch note on the finish. Moderately sweet, and bursting with acidity, the wine had a fresh mouthfeel despite its age. Quite the treat. Looking forward to the bottle of the 1966 that I have in the cellar.
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Awesome note my friend - that sounds absolutely delicious!

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I bought a bottle of this and opened to celebrate my parents 50th anniverary in 2018. Itā€™s the first bottle that I ever turned to someone and said, I could have a glass of this every day for the rest of my lifeā€¦ It really is simply outstanding. Thanks for the great note.

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I thought about doing the 1966 version for my parents 50th, but they donā€™t enjoy Port.

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Interesting ā€“ I was on the fence too. Neither of my parents love wine, let alone Port. My mother (who hardly drinks) said it was ā€œmore drinkableā€ than most wines (which is the first semi-positive thing about any wine I have ever heard her say) and my Dad drank it and said it was great, thank you, but then drank his scotch the rest of the week. His younger brother who was with us (my favoirite Uncle) absolutely loved it ā€“ I was happy for the occasion and finishing the rest of the bottle with my Uncle over the next week (family reunion trip). Regardless, it made for a great memory and that is exactly why I drink great bottles with friends and family. I am not sure it always means as much to them, but it means a lot to me.

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There was a rare single Quinta Vargellas 1970, made from vines that were due to drown in the damming of the river. Made in tiny quantities, and never officially put on the market, I remember it as being really tasty.

Tomorrow we will be tasting the Vargellas Vinha Velha from 1995, the first ever commercial release. Looking forward to tasting this once again, as the last time I tasted it around ten years ago, it was all about potential and promises.

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Wish I had the ā€˜95 VV. Have the regular version. Thereā€™s a 2011 VV, but I doubt I will still be alive when my bottles are ready to drink.