Origin
With its own little railway station and precipitous vineyard slopes (where the vines cling for dear life!) Quinta de Vargellas is one of the (River) Douro's most familiar sites and greatest single vineyards. Close to the Spanish border, the vineyards are composed of poor, rock hard schist soils. Vines are very old - with parcels over 100 years.
Vargellas is the backbone of the blend in all Taylor's declared Vintage Ports, but in many years they make this release just from the single Quinta. The tradition is still maintained here of foot treading the grapes for their top Vintage Ports. The single Quinta wines are usually more forward and expressive early on, but capture all the pedigree, power and elegance of the Taylor house style.
Grape Variety
Touriga Nacional is dominant in this blend, which also includes Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca,Tinta Cão and Tinta Amarela.
Includes grapes which have been traditionally foot trodden. Aged for two years in large old casks, prior to bottling unfiltered and unfined.
Alcohol Percentage
20.5%
Cellar Potential
Just approaching its peak now, but will mature well for at least another 10 years.
Once opened will last well for at least 2 weeks if stored in a cool place away from direct light.
Producer
Of all the Port houses, few are more renowned and historic as Taylor's. Taylor's is one of the oldest founding Port Houses; a history that began in 1692, it remains to this day independent and family-owned. It's ageing cellars remain in Oporto, the birthplace of the Port industry.
Taylor's is also revered for its innovation, having pioneered the Late Bottled Vintage style. Its resources are unrivalled, with one of the largest reserves of cask-aged wines to create their tawny Ports and an extensive ownership of the top vineyard sites throughout the Douro.
Food Match
Just ready to drink now, but do decant the clear wine gently (off its sediment lees) a couple of hours, at least, before serving. It will improve with aeration in a decanter.
Pair, classically, with a full flavoured cheese board selection, served with walnut bread and quince jelly. Equally enjoy on its own and sip into the evening.
In the press
"Very deep, closed and dense; full and fleshy initially with great purity of fruit mid-palate. Solid, foursquare tannins rising in the mouth, leading to an explosive finish". - Richard Mayson, Decanter - one of his Top 10 Single Quinta Ports, 18pts/20
“There are raisins, prunes and molasses, eucalyptus and some peaty whiskey; the sweetness of brown sugar and candies peel...above all, there is concentration and a dense texture, with and elegant and deft complexity.” - Tom lewis, Cambridge Wine Blogger 2014
Silver- Decanter World Wine Awards 2015
Silver- International Wine and Spirit Competition 2014
Bronze- International Wine and Spirit Competition 2015
Bronze- Decanter World Wine Awards 2014
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.