2018 Taylor´s Porto LBV Vintage 6 - Bottles (0.75L) Plush and warm in feel, with melted black licorice, fruitcake and ganache notes holding sway over the fleshy core of plum and blackberry confiture flavors. A singed alder hint through the finish gives this a pleasant hint of rusticity. Score: 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Late Bottled Vintage 2018 Taylor's were pioneers of the LBV category, developed to satisfy the demand for a high quality ready-to-drink alternative to Vintage Port for everyday consumption. Unlike Vintage Port, which is bottled after only two years in wood and ages in bottle, LBV is bottled after four to six years and is ready to drink when bottled. Taylor's continues to lead the LBV category of Port worldwide, in spite of the fact that many other shippers now also produce an LBV. The wines used to blend Taylor's LBV were drawn from a reserve of some of the best full bodied red Ports, produced at the 2014 harvest, from grapes grown on Taylor’s own vineyards and on other top properties in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior areas. Tasting Notes Vivid ruby coloured rim around a deep purple black centre. On the nose, the first impression is of brambly woodland berries and rich, jammy aromas of blackcurrant. Around this dense core of ripe dark berry fruit are leafy scents of mint and wild herbs, a subtle spiciness and fleeting cedary notes of cigar box. The palate is underpinned by firm, linear tannins and lifted by a lively acidity. Thick, luscious cassis flavours blend with raspberry and apricot and carry through into the very long finish. An archetypal Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage, elegant and restrained, with great quality and purity of fruit. NOTES ON VITICULTURAL YEAR AND HARVEST The cycle started with a wet and warm Spring, resulting in strong vegetative growth. Bud burst and flowering took place in optimal conditions. The Spring rainfall and a relatively cool June and July meant that the ripening season started with abundant water reserves in the soil and very healthy leaf canopies, leading to a very even and complete maturation of the crop. Hot weather in early September, followed by a brief spell of rainfall, rounded off the ripening. Picking at the 2014 harvest at Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas started relatively early on 8th September. The early start meant that the best grapes had been picked and were under cover by the time that heavy rain began to fall on the 21st. The grapes were reported to be very healthy and the wines as having excellent phenolic ripeness, sugar levels and colour. DECANTING Ready to drink and does not require decanting. STORAGE The bottle should be kept upright, protected from direct sun light and at a cool and constant temperature. Optimum drinking time after opening the bottle is two months. SERVING TEMPERATURE The wine benefits from being served between 16ºC to 18ºC. PAIRING SUGGESTIONS Excellent with fully flavoured cheeses, especially blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort. It is also delicious with desserts made with chocolate or berry fruits. ALL YEARS Note: *All Non-EU Countries have to pay an Export or Customs Clearance Fee from € 70.00 always adding that it has to be paid before shipping. *Shipping price includes special security packaging