Taylor's Quinta da Vargellas Vintage Port

Taylor's Vintage Port 2013 represents an exceptional declaration from one of the most prestigious and historic Port houses in Portugal's Douro Valley. This distinguished vintage captures the perfect growing conditions of a remarkable year, resulting in a Port wine of exceptional depth and finesse.

Deep purple-black in colour, this vintage Port presents an intense and complex aromatic profile. The bouquet reveals layers of concentrated black fruits – particularly blackberry and black cherry – intertwined with notes of violet, wild herbs, and subtle hints of eucalyptus. As the wine opens up, it displays characteristic Taylor's notes of liquorice, dark chocolate, and delicate wild mint.

On the palate, it showcases impressive structure and concentration, hallmarks of a great vintage year. Dense, rich flavours of ripe black fruits are balanced by firm, well-integrated tannins and a core of fresh acidity. The wine displays remarkable purity of fruit, with layers of dark berries, plums, and cassis complemented by hints of spice, graphite, and cedar. The finish is extraordinarily long and complex, promising excellent aging potential.

The 2013 vintage demonstrates the traditional Taylor's house style – elegant and refined while possessing impressive power and concentration. This wine represents both immediate charm and excellent cellaring potential, with the structure and balance to evolve beautifully over several decades.

Best served at 16-18°C (61-64°F), this vintage Port pairs excellently with rich blue cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, or can be savoured on its own as a magnificent after-dinner drink. Like all great vintage Ports, this 2013 will benefit from decanting to remove natural sediment and allow the wine's full complexity to emerge.