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We tasted some bottles of Taylor and its relatives, in The Bung Hole, on Friday 22nd March 2013.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1920 Taylor;
• 1924 Taylor;
• 1927 Taylor;
• 1935 Taylor;
• 1945 Taylor;
• 1948 Taylor;
• 1950 Taylor Special Quinta;
• 1955 Taylor;
• 1960 Taylor;
• 1963 Taylor;
• 1965 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas;
• 1966 Taylor;
• 1970 Taylor;
• 1970 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas;
• 1976 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas;
• 1977 Taylor;
• 1980 Taylor;
• 1983 Taylor;
• 1985 Taylor;
• 1986 Taylor Quinta de Terra Feita;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

The Taylor 1948 has an uneven bottom, so does not stand vertically.

Decanted about 13:30.

In my naivety I am thinking that there is surprisingly little sediment.

Firmly stuck to the inside of the bottle.

Aha! An excellent decant.

T45: red, 30% opaque. Nose of red plums. Dry mis-palate. The fruit greatly diminished, there being a hint of red plum late. Big structure, great grip and shape and tannins. Another excellent port.

Rim is clear, light red/brown going to lovely burgundy core. Nose is full-on, almost heady, dried fruit and nuts, caramel and brandy. Palate has same notes as the nose and the ending is very long. Stunning port and my 2nd favourite of the night. 95 pts.

From Lord Litchfield's cellar. Deep orange, light in colour, 15% opaque. Attractive nose, spicy and rich, livens up nicely with a swirl. Smooth entry and a lovely texture, some dustiness in the fruit on the palate. The palate presence builds nicely until it grabs the senses. Lovely, modest aftertaste develops into a lovely, rich and flavoursome finish that never dominates but has a great presence. Beautifully floral. 94/100. 22-Mar-13. Decanted 2 hours.