2012 Taylor Fladgate LBV Port

[Glenn E.]

Color: Very dark purple which remains purple at the rim. Opaque center. Bright, vivid color throughout.

Nose: Lively, grapey, and boisterous. Also a bit lodgey (which I like). Some blueberry amongst predominantly purple and black fruit aromas.

Palate: Fruity, brash, and bold. Slight bitter edge. Very rich, very young. The flavor is a step back from the liveliness of the nose, though. Grippy tannins and good acidity. Lots of blackberry and mulberry. Also a more restrained grapiness, not at all like a Welches concord grape kind of flavor, but ... more dignified? More classy? It's difficult to describe.

Score: 93 points. This was served blind, and I was convinced it was an SQVP or possibly a lesser-tier VP from 2010-2012. Ultimately not quite up to the level of their 2011 LBV (which was fantastic), but still another very strong showing in the LBV category for Taylor.