The 2011 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is a notable offering from the esteemed Taylor Fladgate house, known for crafting some of the finest ports in the Douro region of Portugal. This vintage is a proprietary blend, consisting of various red grape varietals, and has garnered high praise from multiple professional reviewers.
Jancis Robinson awarded this wine an impressive score of 98, describing it as "restrained" and "well mannered," with a palate that opens up "in the most superb, Burgundian peacock’s tail sort of way." She notes that this wine is "upright and straight backed" and mentions its complex flavors of "dried prunes ground up with rocks."
Wine & Spirits also gave the 2011 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port a high score of 97, highlighting its "subtler and more hidden" greatness compared to its 2011 peers. The review describes the wine as "austere in a Taylor–Douro Superior way," with a "tarry density and umami tannins" that reveal "seemingly endless flavor" over time. They praise its "dynamic and sleek" profile, suggesting it has the stamina for long-term aging.
Wine Spectator matched this score, emphasizing the wine's "powerful, concentrated dark plum and spicy cherry flavors," along with notes of "raspberry preserves, mocha, and wild herb accents." Reviewer KM finds the tannins to be "powerful," with a finish that offers "intense grip and violet hints," recommending it to be best enjoyed from 2020 through 2045.
James Suckling rated it 96, appreciating the "very pretty pure fruit on the nose" with "crushed berries and minerals" and a "licorice and graphite undertone." He describes it as "full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins" that are "polished and firm," predicting it will be best to try in 2021.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score between 96 and 98, commends its "multifaceted" nose featuring cassis, blackberry, and raspberry, along with "wilted rose petals and Dorset plum." The palate is noted as "sweet and sensual on the entry, plush and opulent," showcasing flavors of "black cherries, boysenberry, and cassis."
Wine Enthusiast also gave it a 97, noting an "initial smoky character" followed by "ripe, rich black fruits" and a "dark, brooding core." The wine is highlighted for its "considerable acidity and a delicate final perfume," making it ideal for serious aging.
For The Love of Port awarded it a 97+, praising its "fabulous nose" with "fresh floral fragrance, ethereal potpourri, then cracked black pepper and black cherry." They find its flavors "full throttle" with "jammy crushed blueberry and boysenberry pulp," and an "ultra-long finish" that is "incredibly soft and smooth."
This vintage port from Taylor Fladgate is characterized by its complexity, depth, and potential for long-term aging, making it a distinguished choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.