2018 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (OWC)

A blend from Quinta de Vargellas in the Douro Superior (the backbone) and Quintas Terra Feita and Junco in the Pinhão Valley. Deep, scented (violets and esteva or gum cistus), minty too, restrained but already quite expressive; lovely pure mint and berry fruit backed by fine-grained tannins, which rise in the mouth to a long, level, linear finish. Not especially big but beautifully poised and very elegant. This has all the qualities of a long-term keeper. It is already magnificent and will be even more so in 15 to 20 years. (RM)

This is an exceptional vintage, most unusually the third in a row from this producer. Intensely perfumed, richly structured with dark-black fruits, concentrated tannins, it is set for seriously long-term aging. The power of the wine, based around the producer's Quinta da Vargellas, is magnificent. Drink this major Port from 2029. *Cellar Selection* (RV)