Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1971 (750ML)

95 VM / 17.5 JR

Matured for five decades in cask, the 1971 Single Harvest Port has a tawny hue that is commensurate for its age. It has quite a spirituous nose, strong scents of Chinese 5-spice, clove, wood varnish, Montecristo cigars, fresh figs and grilled walnuts, hints of rosewater with time. After 10 minutes in the glass, it develops a touch more richness and depth. The palate is well balanced with a slightly viscous opening, richer than anticipated, dried honey and clove, red peppercorns, molasses and a touch of Sichuan pepper. With fine length and quite a sensual style, this is a fairly opulent Single Harvest Port that will give immense pleasure. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Light to mid browny tawny colour. Doesn't have the same bitter-sweet notes of the two Dalva ports just tasted (1950 and 1934), more savoury and subdued at first. In fact it is almost more like a madeira on the nose, with definite notes of old, polished wood and walnuts but also some burnt toffee. There's also something very slightly spicy, with mocha and piercing orange-pith freshness on the palate. Impressive freshness to balance and undermine the sweetness. Very long and unexpectedly mouth-watering on the finish.-Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson

Taylor Fladgate has an extensive and enviable library of very old Ports and each year they release a 50-year-old Single Harvest Port which represents the cream of their aged reserves. Often referred to as Colheitas, these single harvest Tawny ports are a far cry from vintage port with very slow and gentle ageing in oak casks creating ports of extreme aromatic complexity with delightfully mellow structures. They don't need decanting as all sediment has been left in the barrel and they tend to drink beautifully as soon as the cork is pulled. In addition, the extended exposure to air while in barrel serves to increase the lifespan on these handsome old wines once opened, meaning you need not drink a bottle all at once. Released in strictly limited volumes, these single harvest releases tend to sell out very quickly indeed. It’s not every day you get the chance to purchase a 50-year-old wine, with such impeccable condition and provenance.