Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port 2015

Deep ruby-black core with a narrow purple-red rim. A classic Vargellas nose, fine, elegant and poised with a linear surge of pure singing, woodland infused with a plummy freshness and hints of citrus and fresh quince. A subtle spiciness, with hints of nutmeg, anise and cacao, emerges from behind the fruit. The tell-tale Vargellas floral scent is more reminiscent of jasmine than the signature aura of violets and mingles with the minty, resiny notes of wild herbs. A discreet minerality provides an attractively firm edge. Typically of Vargellas, the palate is supported by taut, sinewy tannins and the grippy finish delivers a burst of clean, fresh berry fruit flavour. A very fine single-quinta Vintage Port, confident and in perfect balance.

Most often served after a meal, alone or with cheese, nuts, dried fruits or fine dark chocolate.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate     The 2015 Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port comes in with 99 grams per litre of residual sugar. This single-quinta Porto was a tank sample when tasted, although the final blend and out of barrel. This has fine precision and a tight, steely edge. It opened with too little concentration, but it kept putting on weight in the glass, showing enough stuffing to balance the steadily increasing power. Fresh and clean, with a fruity finish typical of the vintage, this eventually tightened to the point where the tannins popped up early and often, overwhelming the fruity beginning. This is probably the most backward of the 2015s from the Fladgate Partnership this issue. It might well wind up being the best, although that is not my early bet. That also means that it was certainly one of the most difficult to evaluate at the moment. Certainly, it may have the most potential to improve in the cellar. In short, this will need more time, but it looks promising given its impressive structure.