I recently had the privilege of tasting two excellent vintage ports - both through the generous patronage of one Ms. Lillian Petherbridge (EPTT membership pending). My notes were as follows:TAYLOR FLADGATE VINTAGE 1980
Tasted 1/21/07
Dark maroon in color, almost still purple, with a touch of brick red around the edge. On the nose it's heady and deep showing brambly black raspberry, cherry, prune, and fig, with a touch of warm leather. Smooth and quite sweet on the palate, with a luscious core of ripe black mission fig, licorice, and exotic spice. The tannins have matured to a silky texture and the finish is nice and long. It may not quite be a classic port, but this is still an excellent vintage from a great producer that should continue to get even better for a while to come. Highly recommended. This was found at a steal of a price - $68!
QUINTA DO NOVAL VINTAGE 1970
Tasted: 1/5/07
A beautifully mature brick red in color with a ruddy pink rim. The nose is wonderfully expressive offering more with each whiff - dried berries, cherries, caramel, prunes, leather, milk chocolate, cinnamon, a touch of rose petals - it really pours out of the glass. Just as delicious on the palate showing a bit more youth even than the nose implies - black raspberries, gingerbread and licorice. This wine has voluptuous tannins and a long, long finish. Still has power left but shows great maturity and elegance. I'm sure it has plenty of life left, however there is certainly no reason not to pop this bottle now. Excellent.
- L.H.
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