2016 Taylors Vintage Port

Jancis Robinson 18 points

Two main sources are Quinta de Vargellas, which is north-facing and so protected from excessive heat, and giving floral notes, plus Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco around Pinhão for earthier characteristics. Only 6,500 cases were made, instead of the usual 12,000–14,000.
Dark crimson but without the blueish purple of the Grahams. Tight, refined nose – rather claret-like. Not as obviously sweet as some. Restrained aromatically: backward with sharp, linear blackcurrant and violet notes. This tastes like a somewhat shouty, scratchy baby at the moment – which is no criticism of a wine designed to age as long as a vintage port. But then there are masses of sweet fruit with liquorice surrounded in a scratchy skein of tannins and acidity.