Taylor's Vintage Port 2017

Taylor's Vintage Port 2017 is a red port wine from the Duoro Valley. One of the finest collectible Port wines, Vintage Port wines are aged in the cellar for decades, slowly developing the elegance and harmony that are the hallmarks of an aged Taylor's Vintage Port wine.

Taylor's Vintage Port is one of the world's great iconic wines. Produced only in the best years - known as declared vintages - it is blended from the finest produce from its own vineyards, Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and most recently Quinta do Junco.

After each harvest, a tasting panel selects the best port wines from these three estates, which are then aged for 2 winters in oak barrels.

The 2017 vineyard cycle began with a cold and dry winter, which saw one-fifth less rainfall than the 30-year average. The dry conditions continued into the spring, and warm weather in April and May encouraged rapid vine growth. At Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas, harvest began on September 1, the earliest in a generation. The last time the harvest started this early was in 1945 - one of the best vintages of the 20th century.

Temperatures at the time of harvest were mild and nights cool, resulting in a balanced fermentation and excellent extraction. The must was dense and characterised by exceptional depth of colour and impressive phenolic qualities.

Colour: ruby with purple highlights
Nose: blackberry, blackcurrant, hints of cherry, citrus
Taste: tannins, dark berries, herbs, spices