Deep mahogany core with a narrow amber-olive rim. On the nose, a succession of subtle spicy aromas opens up against a dense backdrop of treacle and molasses. Notes of sawn oak and vanilla give way to a spicy surge of nutmeg, black pepper and ginger. Gradually the rich, sumptuous aromas of age emerge, walnut, marzipan, butterscotch and mocha followed by rich figgy plum-pudding notes. On the palate, the wine is in perfect balance, with sweetness and acidity in perfect harmony and beautifully integrated spirit. On the mid-palate the wine releases a burst of opulent mellow flavour which is lifted by a crisp acidity as it flows into the endless finish. A wine of extraordinary depth and background which continues to astonish with multiple layers and dimensions of aroma.
Taylor Fladgate's Single Harvest 1863, drawn from the firm’s collection of very rare and valuable cask aged Ports, represents a unique piece of wine history. Like a time capsule, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a distant past.
The harvest of 1863 was one of the finest of the nineteenth century and the last great Port vintage before Phylloxera spread throughout the Duoro Valley.
Matured for over a century and a half in oak casks, the Taylor Fladgate Single Harvest 1863 has achieved an exceptional level of density and complexity while displaying a vitality and freshness remarkable in a wine of this age. In addition, the cool and tranquil environment of the Port lodges in Oporto has allowed the wine to retain its harmony and balance.
The Taylor Fladgate Single Harvest 1863 is presented in a bespoke crystal decanter, specially produced in Italy, with an individually fitted glass stopper engraved and polished by hand in Scotland. The decanter is displayed in a superb luxury box finished in maple burl veneer. Each box contains a certificate individually signed by Taylor Fladgate's Managing Director, Adrian Bridge.
The Taylor Fladgate Single Harvest 1863 is being released as an exclusive limited edition, corresponding to only two casks of wine, and is offered on an allocation basis. A wine of this age and historical interest is very rarely available for purchase and the Single Harvest 1863 represents a unique opportunity for the collector and enthusiast.
Taylor's holds one of the most extensive reserves of very old cask aged Port of any producer. They include a collection of rare Single Harvest Ports. These are Ports from a single year which age to full maturity in seasoned oak casks and display the year of harvest on the label.
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao & Tinta Amarela
APPELLATION: Douro
PH: 3.53
ACIDITY: 9.51 g/L
ABV: 20.4%
AGING: Natural small oak casks
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 224 g/L
"And what it is, is a time-defying pre-phylloxera humdinger that’ll knock your socks off. Simply pouring the wine, I noticed how deep and clear the color was, the intoxicating sumptuous aromas filling the room long before I had put nose near glass. We find extravagant and luscious aromas of blackberries, black plum, camphor, rosemary, iris, caraway seed and walnut, fig jam, a quite extraordinary and heady bouquet. The palate follows suit with a sumptuous, quasi-viscous texture that instantly seduces the senses. It comes armed with a sweet and candied core of black and red fruit, yes fruit, because there is astonishingly little degradation here. It is a powerful and flamboyant tawny with quince and marmalade, later cloves, raisin and dried fig on the long flowing finish." - 98/100 - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (214), August 2014
"Dark brown with some gold hue and a bright orange rim to the color. It shows intense aromas of brown sugar, toffee and lime peel. Some meat and walnuts too. Full-bodied, very sweet and thick. It's like syrup yet fresh, bright and tangy. Amazing power and richness shows the ripeness and heat of the vintage. Stunning old port aged more than a century and a half in old oak barrels. Bottled this year. An extraordinary experience tasting this. 1863 was one of the greatest vintages ever and before phylloxera destroyed the European tasting." - 99/100 - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, October 2015
This Single Harvest Porto is a once-in-a-lifetime Porto that should be savored after a meal, alone or with nuts.
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