Taylor Quinta de Vargellas, Taylor Fladgate 2015

The nose has a complex mix of flavours the start of the palate bright with bramble and red fruits. Sweet in the middle a rich mix of black fruits and cocoa depth of flavour but there is balance underlying bramble lighter at the back with rich fruits and depth on the finish. 2031-55

The 2015 Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port comes in with 99 grams per liter of residual sugar. This single-quinta Porto was a tank sample when tasted, although the final blend and out of barrel. This has fine precision and a tight, steely edge. It opened with too little concentration, but it kept putting on weight in the glass, showing enough stuffing to balance the steadily increasing power. Fresh and clean, with a fruity finish typical of the vintage, this eventually tightened to the point where the tannins popped up early and often, overwhelming the fruity beginning. This is probably the most backward of the 2015s from the Fladgate Partnership this issue. It might well wind up being the best—although that is not my early bet (see the Fonseca Guimaraens). That also means that it was certainly one of the most difficult to evaluate at the moment. Certainly, it may have the most potential to improve in the cellar. In short, this will need more time, but it looks promising given its impressive structure. Prepare to hold this awhile. It is fashionable these days to dive into Port very young, but the 15 years indicated may not be nearly enough. Drink 2030 - 2065.

Saturated ruby colour. Spicy, dense and concentrated on the nose with brooding black fruits lifted by violet and floral tones. The palate is powerful and rich, but the tannins are smooth and well managed. Great concentration and density, bringing cassis, kirsch and damson fruit through to a spicy and rich finish which is long and punctuated with hints of clove and nutmeg.