Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015

Lovely magenta intensity and nearly black. Aromas of stewed prunes, fresh raisins, a hint of anise,

Palate-Full bodied, hotter than usual, intense sweetness but the alcohol is overpowering the flavors of the fruit. The foundation is coarse rather than elegant. The finish is lovely with a long lingering fruity ending.

This *LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port is out of balance and really detracts from what the wine could be.

AT $22 I would not get this again. I will enjoy it with friends and my wife's flourless chocolate tort. It is an unbeatable combination.

I recently had the same wine in the 2008 vintage and it was to die for. (See that review here)

*What is Late Bottled Vintage Port? Borrowing from Roger Voss with the Wine Enthusiast: "The official definition says that it is a “ruby Port from a single year, chosen for its high quality and bottled after aging for four to six years in wood.” It is a vintage Port in style, but not in price."

LBV is ready to drink when released and does not improve with age. Vintage port can age for decades, many decades and in fact most need to in order to get the most out from them. LBV's tend to run around $20-$35. You will not see vintage port ever even starting near that point and it's value goes up with age. So don't confuse the two!

Comments

Emma Reichart Gewürztraminer 2020

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Barrel Heist Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Lighter hued cranberry color with aromas of sweet red berries and dried red fruit with a touch of spice. Palate--Fruit forward, easy to quaff with soft tannins, and a simple pleasant all around red. Just don't confuse this with a "real" cabernet Sauvignon. At $7 (Trader Joe's) let's get real... It's better than two buck chuck!

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