2005 Taylor Fladgate LBV Port

[Glenn E.]

A Celebration of Port at the Salish Lodge with guest host Adrian Bridge
March 30, 2011

2005 Taylor Fladgate LBV

Dark purple and opaque in the glass, with a blackberry nose. The fruits are smooth and backed up by firm and slightly gritty tannins. Compared to the Croft Pink and Fonseca Terra Bella, the tannins in this one are quite strong. Some ripe red raspberry and possibly red currant flavors add another layer in the mouth, providing good depth. This paired very well with the Port Braised Short Ribs, but I didn't think it went as well with the Caramelized Banana Tartlet. (Then again, the Tartlet was so sweet that none of the Ports went particularly well with it - it made them all seem a bit sour.) I think I still prefer the 2003 Taylor LBV, but this 2005 is a great recovery from what I thought was a disappointing 2004 LBV.

Score: 90 points