Taylor Fladgate Vargellas Vinha Velha 1997

The first impression is of pungent black fruit aromas and rich dark velvety chocolate. This is then followed by delicate herbal and tobacco notes. The complexity and range of flavours on the palate are seemingly endless: rich cherry and plum jam, luscious ripe blueberry, bitter dark chocolate, scented cigar box and spice, fresh leather. And the texture and consistency of the wine is almost of molasses, or treacle, it coats the palate like a velvet glove. A wine with enormous strength, marvellous depth, dimension and structure. It fills the mouth to bursting and the finish is wonderfully prolonged.