1995 Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port

[Glenn E.]

From the 2012 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament tasting in NYC.

Color: The darkest Port in the lineup by a little bit over the 1994, mostly because this one is still purple while the 1994 is now simply deep garnet. Opaque in the center, though the light wasn't great.

Nose: Somewhat strange, though I hesitate to call it off. Slightly musty or possibly cardboard, though in my case that's not an indication of TCA because I'm immune to it. Also slightly vegetal though not green.

Palate: much different than the other Ports in the lineup. More tart, and despite the color the flavor is more toward the fresh red fruit end if the spectrum rather than purple or black fruits. My least favorite of the evening.

Score: 85 pts. A good Port, and surprisingly dark compared to the fully declared 1994, but not a rock star.