The 2016 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is a distinguished offering from one of Portugal's most renowned producers. This wine is a proprietary blend from the Douro region, boasting an impressive 20% alcohol content and secured with a traditional cork closure.

This vintage has received high praise from several esteemed wine critics. Neal Martin of Vinous awarded it an outstanding score of 97, highlighting its "aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive, and a light, marine-tinged element." Martin also noted its "fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity," emphasizing the wine's robust structure and gentle yet insistent grip towards the finish. According to him, it's "everything you really want from a Vintage Port."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Mark Squires, gave the wine a score of 96. Squires remarked on its "big, beautiful fruit" and firm finish, predicting that it will evolve well over time. He described it as "a delicious Taylor's that is hard to resist," though he noted it was still too young to show much development.

Decanter echoed these sentiments with another score of 96, appreciating its "dense and heady nose with an attractive green, leafy edge." The review complimented the "sweet and pump" palate, which features "lovely bright cherry and damson fruit." The finish was noted as "long and linear," showcasing the wine's purity of fruit.

Wine Spectator offered one of the highest accolades, scoring the wine at 98. The review described it as "packed with raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry fruit flavors," which meld with notes of anise, fruitcake, and ganache. The finish is characterized by a "warm tarry edge" and an "echo of bramble," making it a "seriously grippy, strapping Port."

Similarly, Wine Enthusiast also rated it 98, praising its "ripe, structured while also fruity" nature. The review noted the wine's opulence balanced with elegance, and its "rich potential" due to finely integrated tannins and great fruit. The aftertaste is described as "juicy," adding freshness to the wine.

Lastly, Wine & Spirits provided a slightly lower score of 92 but still recognized its merits. The wine's "freshness" and "brightness that unfolds across the palate and reverberates" were highlighted. It was noted to be more elegant and supple than previous Taylor vintages, making it an intriguing candidate for aging.

In summary, the 2016 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port is a well-rounded, highly acclaimed wine that promises both immediate enjoyment and long-term potential.