Wine Reviews

Like most 2015s, this is on the lighter side in the mid-palate, but also like most, it is fresh and lifted, refined and graceful. It is the type of wine that doesn’t hit you over the head but becomes ever more appealing as it sits in the glass. It’s all about finesse and elegance. Suddenly, you realize how much you like it. After some aeration, it adds to its mid-palate refinement the dry, tight and steely edge it had in Porto.

Initially closed with underlying ripeness on the nose, quickly opening up to reveal floral fragrance with a touch of dark chocolate and tar; soft plum and berry fruit on the palate with all-spice notes and firm, rapier-like tannins on to the finished.

This is a sweet vintage of Vargellas, with rocky schist tannins adding freshness to its power. Some tart notes balance the ripe raspberry flavors; some cool mintiness contrasts the spicy warmth.

Fleshy and inviting in feel, with enticing warm plum and blackberry cobbler notes backed by cocoa, black licorice and fruitcake flavors. Lengthy and refined finish

In 1977, Taylor’s flagship Quinta de Vargellas was finally connected to the electric system in the Douro Valley. Dark red color with violet reflections. Fresh spicy nose, with tobacco and raspberry. Fresh and fruity on the palate, with the first malty notes, but also still residual red berry fruit and tobacco. Long and sophisticated aftertaste.