1970 Taylor

Mark Lacey · Post by **Mark Lacey** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:06 am

I have a bottle of this fine vintage port, and I'm considering drinking it in December as part of a 35th birthday celebration (birth year vintage, ya know).

I had my other bottle in 2001, and was able to get a small taste of this last month. I think now would be a great time to drink it, but perhaps it could last a few more years. I'm just concerned that it won't make it to that 40th birthday party, or that it will be much diminished at that point.

Any opinions?

NickA · Post by **NickA** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:48 am

How is it being stored? I mean, in ideal cellar conditions there's nothing to say it won't provide a riveting drink on your 50th, 60th or 70th birthday! The fruit might be fading in 30 years, but it's sure to provide pleasure. It's also very dependant on bottle - where was it sourced? A perfect bottle, from a good bottling, in perfect storage has, as far as our lifetime's concerned, practically no drink by date on it!

Stuart Chatfield · Post by **Stuart Chatfield** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:11 am

I agree with Nick. I've got some Taylor '70 which (until I bought it a couple of years ago) had not been moved one inch since being bottled in England. As a fan of Taylor and a fan of '70 I have to say I find it a little disappointing (I have tried other bottlings too).

However, that case I have with perfect provenance, although confirming that this is not one of my favourites, was very young in appearance and taste indeed. I think I marked in my book "don't open another for ten years". Of course, I have :twisted: but I will try to save at least some until full maturity which will not be for a decade at least. I've found it less advanced than the legendary '77 more often than not (but not as good).

Unfortunately I was born in '71 so no good aniversary wine of any sort for me to celebrate with except some excellent but very flat champagne. If I was born in '70 I'd celebrate with a Fonseca '70 (v. good - all port lovers are unanimous in that view I think - but v. pricey) or maybe a Warre '70 (a personal favourite of mine that is not widely liked so is very good value right now).

Jay Woodruff · Post by **Jay Woodruff** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:09 pm

"Unfortunately I was born in '71 so no good aniversary wine of any sort for me to celebrate with except some excellent but very flat champagne. If I was born in '70 I'd celebrate with a Fonseca '70 (v. good - all port lovers are unanimous in that view I think - but v. pricey) or maybe a Warre '70 (a personal favourite of mine that is not widely liked so is very good value right now)."

Also having '71 as a birth year, I disagree. I have opened some wonderful Germans from '71. You could also look to Sauternes, Barolo, or Grange. Even some Burgundy if stored well.

Shawn Denkler · Post by **Shawn Denkler** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 9:08 pm

I have the 1970 Taylor almost every year, it is a favorite of mine. It still is a big port with lots of fruit and stuffing. I decant about three hours in advance and it is magnificent.

If well cellared it certainly will be in great shape on its 40th year. The Vintage Port book by James Suckling rates it at 98 points and I agree.

The 1970 Fonseca is about equal in quality and should hold a long time as well.

Shawn Denkler

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:11 pm

I prefer the Fonseca 1970 to the Taylor, which is saying a lot. I have consumed my share of a few cases of the Taylor 1970, which is the specific wine that I named my daughter (Taylor) after. When it is good, it is very very good. As mentioned above, there are some not so great bottles of this wine on the market as well.