2003 Taylor Fladgate LBV Port

[Glenn E.]

From a tasting at Pete's Fine Wines in Bellevue, WA, on December 14, 2008.

2003 Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto
paired against 2000 Quinta do Infantado LBV

(This LBV is known to be filtered, though of course it doesn't say that on the label.)

Brick red, very deep. It draws you in. The nose is light and elegant, not at all what I was expecting from a Taylor Fladgate. It is very drinkable, with smooth tannins and pleasantly melded flavors of blackberries and something that seems red but is not a raspberry or a strawberry. (It's not tangy, though, so not a currant.)

The clear winner of the pair for me. It tastes like I think a mature Port should taste, but doesn't show age in doing so. And to top it off, it is between the two ruby reserves in price (cheaper than the Graham's Six Grapes).