Taylor Port, Also Known As Taylor Fladgate, Is One of the Most Respected and Celebrated Port Wine Producers in the World. With a History Dating Back to 1692, This Esteemed Winery Has Been Crafting Exceptional Vintage Ports That Continue to Impress Wine Enthusiasts and Critics Alike.
A Brief History Of Taylor Fladgate
Established in 1692 by Job Bearsley, an English merchant, the company initially focused on trading wool and wine from Portugal. It wasn't until Job's son Peter entered the business that the focus shifted towards producing and exporting Port wine.
In 1744, Peter's grandson Bartholomew Bearsley moved the company to Oporto, the center of the Port wine trade. He continued the family business, building solid relationships with local vineyard owners and laying the foundation for Taylor Fladgate's future success. The company eventually changed its name to Taylor Fladgate when Joseph Taylor, a partner in the firm, took over the business after Bartholomew Bearsley died in 1756.
The Fladgate name was added in 1836 when Morgan Yeatman, a successful wine merchant, married John Fladgate's daughter, Frances. This union of the two families paved the way for the formation of Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman, which remains the company's full name today.
Here are the Top Vintages for Taylor Port
1. 1945 Vintage
The 1945 Taylor Port is considered one of the winery's most outstanding vintages ever produced. This extraordinary wine boasts incredible concentration and complexity, with a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and structure. The 1945 vintage offers a stunning array of flavors, including dark fruits, chocolate, coffee, and spice, which continue to evolve and develop in the bottle.
Price for a 1945 Taylor Fadgate Vintage Port: $1,950
2. 1963 Vintage
Another legendary year for Taylor Port, the 1963 vintage is one of the finest of the 20th century. This exceptional wine showcases a harmonious blend of power and elegance with a rich and intense flavor profile. Hints of spice, cedar, and tobacco beautifully complement black cherry, plum, and licorice notes. In addition, the 1963 Taylor Port possesses remarkable aging potential, with many bottles still drinking well.
Price for this vintage: $346
3. 1977 Vintage
The 1977 Taylor Port is a classic example of a great Vintage Port, offering a captivating combination of fruit intensity, structure, and finesse. This wine features a rich and concentrated palate, with blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate flavors underpinned by a backbone of firm tannins and bright acidity.
With decades of aging potential, the 1977 vintage matures gracefully, developing further complexity and nuance.
Price for this vintage: $230
4. 1994 Vintage
Widely regarded as one of the best vintages in recent history, the 1994 Taylor Port is a true masterpiece. This robust and full-bodied wine displays an impressive array of flavors, including black fruit, licorice, mocha, and spice.
The 1994 vintage has remarkable structure and depth, with firm tannins and vibrant acidity that promise a long and rewarding future in the cellar.
Price for this vintage: $210
5. 2011 Vintage
The 2011 Taylor Port has already earned a reputation as a modern classic, with many critics comparing it to the legendary vintages of the past. This exceptional wine offers an enticing mix of abundant fruit flavors, such as blackberry, blueberry, and cherry, alongside dark chocolate, violets, and spice notes. Boasting superb balance and a long, lingering finish, the 2011 vintage will age gracefully for many years.
Price for a 2011 vintage Taylor Fladgate Port: $100
Conclusion
These top vintages for Taylor Port are just a few examples of the winery's outstanding craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. Each of these wines represents a unique snapshot of history and showcases the remarkable potential of Port at its finest.
