Late Bottled Vintage 2017 – Kobrand Wine & Spirits

Overview / 2019 / 2018 / 2017 / 2016 / 2015

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Portugal / Douro Valley Porto

Taylor Fladgate introduced the LBV category in 1970 to satisfy the demand for a high-quality, ready-to-drink alternative to vintage port. The wines used to blend this LBV were drawn from a reserve of some of the best full-bodied red Ports, produced from grapes grown on estate vineyards and high-quality partner vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior regions. Taylor Fladgate is an area leader in winemaking technology, as one of only three Porto producers to pioneer the development of piston fermenter techniques, called Port Toes, that extract significantly greater flavor and aroma than conventional pump-over fermentation. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Unlike vintage Ports (bottled after two years in wood, with further bottle aging), LBVs are bottled after four to six years in wood, giving them some of the characteristics of vintage Porto but with less time required for bottle aging.

Harvest Note

Following a wet 2016, the year started with cold and dry winter conditions, with a fifth less rainfall than the thirty-year average. Bud burst occurred relatively early, around 10th March. The dry conditions continued into Spring and the warm weather in April and May encouraged the rapid growth of the vines. The early cycle continued with véraison around 18th June, one month earlier than the previous year. Apart from some thunderstorms and rainfall early in July, conditions remained dry until the end of September although temperatures for much of the ripening season were moderate. As expected, the crop ripened very early, showing high sugar levels which led to longer fermentations and very effective colour extraction. Picking started at Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas on 1st September, the earliest in a generation. Temperatures at harvest time were mild, with cool nights, leading to balanced fermentations and excellent extraction. The musts were dense and marked by exceptional depth of colour and impressive phenolics.

Tasting Note

Dense ruby black centre with a narrow brick rim and cerise highlights on the edge. The essence of this superb LBV is the fine red berry and stone fruit character, wonderfully fresh and vibrant, which bursts immediately from the glass. Raspberry, cherry and red plum, subtly infused with richer notes of blackcurrant and liquorice, dominate the nose. Cedary, minty notes and a discreet redolence of violets give the wine a seductive scented dimension. The fine fruit character reappears on the palate which is dense and chewy, the firm slightly austere tannins giving the wine its typically Taylor combination of stamina and restraint. The finish is impressively long and vigorous, with rich dark chocolate flavours adding a touch of lusciousness and opulence to the intense berry fruit. This is an outstanding LBV, full of verve and confidence.

Technical Data

GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca

PH: 3.68

ACIDITY: 4.4 g/l

ABV: 20%

AGING: Aged for two years in large, conditioned French oak vats before bottling. Will continue to age in bottle for decades

RESIDUAL SUGAR: 104g/l

Unique Selling Points

A late bottled vintage Porto from the inventor of the category
Matured for five years in casks, to integrate flavors and create smooth tannins
Similar characteristics of vintage Porto but with less time required for bottle aging

“As the inventors of the late bottled vintage category, I believe it is important for us to set very high standards for this excellent Port.”

Adrian Bridge, CEO

About the Grape

Tinta Amarela

Tinta Amarela makes wines with intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry and tea, bold structure, deep color and excellent depth.

Tinta Barroca

Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.

Tinta Cão

This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.

Tinta Roriz

Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.

Touriga Franca

This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.

Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.