1935 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (Signs of Seepage, Label Damage)

The 1935 Taylor's Vintage Port vies with the 1900 and the 1948 as the greatest Taylor's of the century. It has a deep amber core with tawny rim. The nose is flattering, more feminine and cohesive than more venerable Taylor's Ports with touches of orange zest, liquorice, spice box, rose petals and nougat. It is very complex and compelling, all exquisitely defined. The palate is just sensational: extremely concentrated, not as tannic as the 1927 but bewitching and harmonious with a silky texture. There are notes of honey, apricot, leather, tobacco and cooked meats. After two hours it develops a medicinal element. Incredibly well focused with a viscous finish with candied orange peel, lemongrass and cigar box, this multi-dimensional Vintage Port is almost too good to drink! Perfect. (NM)