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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.

Uh oh! Cut finger alert!

Decanted noon.

Picture of cork digitally brightened.

T66: red, 30% opaque. Lots of heat. Also big plum fruit. Sweet, but the sweetness somewhat hiding behind the heat, which was even more prominent late palate.

Clear rim, going from light burgundy to dark see-through ruby. Nose is rather hot and perhaps a little thin with notes of prunes and toffee. On the palate it comes across as more balanced with dried fruit, prunes and those slightly burnt caramel notes. Ending is long and although the wine is on the hot side, it was very enjoyable. 88 pts.

Grants of St James. The first distinctly red port, red rim but with a maturity to the colour. Fruity and perfumed on the nose, very attractive. Sweet and fruity entry; medium bodied but fully flavoured. Mixing with air releases a delightful floral perfume; there is a wonderful elegance to the palate. A typical Taylor burst of heat on the aftertaste, before a violets and purple-plum finish infused with 60% cocoa chocolate of great length. This is back up to the standard of the ports from 1920-1948. 93/100. 22-Mar-13. Decanted 5 hours.