1996 Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas

[J Jackson]

I've heard half bottles can age quicker than full bottles, but this is the first time I've noticed a real difference. I opened a half bottle of Quinta de Vargellas today, as I understand it was harvested later in the season, as the best SQVPs of the year were.

Only needed an hour in the decanter, opened up very, very quickly.

Colour) Dark garnet, starting to become quite clear, very noticeable bricking on the edges.
Nose) Wonderful violets, strawberries, elderflower blossom, hints of darker fruit and chocolate.
Taste) Classical Taylor's house style, not too sweet. Cherry, a little strawberry, blueberry, rockrose, some mint/menthol and a touch of herbal notes. Then shifting to darker notes, wonderful smooth tannins, a touch of chocolate and tobacco.
Aftertaste) Getting drier and a bit peppery. Smooth but drying tannins, long and warming.

I think this quite a wonderful gem of a quite poor year. Showing real promise for another few years but I'd say it's ready now.