NV Taylor's Scion Port -- 1855

[Al B.]

Decant: Not Known - Rumoured to have been purchased from Quinta das Figuieras. Served by the glass from a display boxed decanter on the bar of the Yeatman Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia - a 50ml pour for EUR 100! Deep brown in colour, with a brown rim; 80% opaque. Massive nose, very madeira-like with dominating VA and burnt rubber; showing little by way fo fruit, what there is, is fully evolved. Incredibly intense on the nose. Eye watering acidity sears the tongue on taking the first sip; deeply flavoured and intense with a very thick texture. This coats the mouth with huge orange zest flavours. The aftertaste is slow to develop, but leaves intense oranges on the side of the tongue and a slight quince bitterness. Great length with a lovely balance between sweetness and oranges. I was unconvinced by the hype surrounding the launch of this wine, but it is deserving - although I am convinced that it has been refreshed through the years. 98 points