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

*Label is for their Riesling not their Gewurztraminer Pale straw hue with loads of sweet aromas consisting of vanilla, citrus, tropical fruit with a lime splash. Palate--mouth watering acid, mouth filling tropical fruit, lime base, with sweet-tart freshness This $10 Gewürztraminer literally "Spicy Traminer" is one of my favorite German grapes and under appreciated much in the way German Riesling is. If you can get past the name, it's a lovely wine that pairs with Asian foods, spicy foods, or all by itself so raise a glass!

Pure Bred (Old Vine) Zinfandel Lodi 2017

Very light hue with a unique aroma (slight) at the side rim of dill pickle juice which is intriguing. Zin aromas of wild berries, not over powering but pleasant, with a touch of rustic zinfulness. (OK that was cheesy!) Palate--There's a watery first impression but is quickly engulfed in big Zin fruitiness which is quickly fleeting leaving a pleasant lingering gentle berry goodness with a slightly "green" end. OK, I am the Zin maestro having had more zins in my life than possibly all other varietals combined? Well, if not, I am getting there. Zin is my grape. And here is the get a grip factor; this sells for $6.50 from Trader Joes, nuff said. Face it, I can't drink Turley, or Rosenblum single vineyard zins everyday (or even every week) so if you're having the gang over and want a light hearted red for those who insist they don't like red wine, give them I bit of this and see what happens. At this price, I'll raise a glass. Thanks MB :)

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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