2005 Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port 1 x 1.50L 1 Magnum Bottle Port Wine AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 93 Points, Jamie Goode 92 Points, Neal Martin 92 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast 17.5 Points, Revista de Vinhos 17 Points, Jancis Robinson WINEMAKER: David Guimaraens. WINE VARIETIES: Traditional from Douro Region. TASTING NOTES Inky black colour with a narrow purple rim. The nose is built on a sturdy foundation of rich and potent blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry aromas interlaced with notes of apricot and plum. Hints of cedar wood, gumcistus and violet provide the exotic scented dimension which is the hallmark of Vargellas followed Vintage Ports. On the palate the first impression is supple and restrained but the finish reveals a tightly knit fabric of sinewy tannin and unleashes a powerful surge of rich black fruit flavour. HARVEST The winter preceding the 2005 harvest was extremely cold and dry leaving the reserves of water severely depleted after an already dry and hot 2004. The growing season started later than usual as a result of the cold weather and the shortage of water. The whole growing season was marked by lower vigour and small berry size for all grape varieties. From May 16th until 6th September there was no further rain. However, in spite of the extreme heat and drought like conditions, the ripening process continued normally, although at a slower pace than usual. Fortunately, the dry summer conditions were relieved by steady rainfall between 6th and 9th September, giving the vines the critical relief that they needed, enabling them to complete the ripening process and deliver a perfectly ripe and well balanced crop. SERVING Walnuts, blue veined and other richly flavoured cheeses are excellent accompaniments to Vintage Port; so too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Serve at 16ºC to 18ºC. Vintage Port is best drunk one to two days after opening. HISTORY For many, Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. Above all, Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port. Noted for their elegance and poise as well as for their restrained power and longevity, Taylor’s Vintage Ports are blended from the finest wines of the firm’s own quintas or estates, Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style. Taylor’s is also respected as a producer of wood aged ports and holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines from which its distinguished aged tawny Ports are drawn. The house is also known as the originator of Late Bottled Vintage, a style which the firm pioneered and of which it remains the leading producer. Above all, Taylor’s is an independent company in which some family members play a leading role in all areas of the firm’s activity. The firm’s long and unbroken family tradition has provided continuity and clarity of purpose, essential attributes of any great wine house. It has also allowed the skills and knowledge required to produce the finest ports to be constantly refined and added to in the light of experience as they are passed down from one generation to the next. Based in Oporto and the Douro Valley the company is closely involved in all stages of the production of its Ports, from the planting of the vineyard and the cultivation of the grapes to the making, ageing, blending and bottling of the wines. The family’s commitment to the future of Port is demonstrated in its single minded dedication to the highest standards in Port production, its continued investment in all aspects of the firm’s operations and its determination to preserve the unique environment of the Douro Valley through the promotion of sustainable and responsible viticulture. PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s).