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Taylors Quinta de Vargellas 2022 Vintage Port was one of two vintage Ports released from 2022 alongside the very first vintage of Taylors Sentinels Vintage Port 2022. Quinta de Vargellas is Taylors most prestigious Single Quinta and produces some excellent vintage Ports in years that Taylors does not declare a main vintage proper. Buy this exceptional Vintage Port now at Fareham Wine Cellar.
The 2022 vintage of Taylors will be fondly remembered as the first vintage after COVID when the workers were able to get back into the granite stone “lagares” and the Ports could once again be foot-trodden.
Founded in 1692, Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman is one of the oldest and most prestigious Port houses. As well as Taylors Port, the company also owns the Fonseca, Croft and Krohn Port Houses. They are one of the largest producers of Port and Taylors Port is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port. Their Ports are well-known for their elegance, restrained power, longevity and distinctive scented character.
Quinta de Vargellas itself was acquired by Taylors in 1893 and is often considered one of the finest vineyards in the world. It is located in the far east of the Douro Valley and is a Class A-rated vineyard by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP). The vineyards form a natural, north-facing amphitheatre overlooking the River Douro and the estate’s own railway station. There is a second planting, the Sao Xisto vineyard, downstream a short way from the Quinta, which is planted vertically (a style known as “Vinha ao Alto”).
Taylors Quinta de Vargellas 2022 is a classic Douro Field Blend and the winemaker is David Guimareans. It is a wine which is approachable in its youth but which will also reward ageing for many years if cellared correctly.
Managing Director Adrian Bridge said: “The 2022 vintage ports are the result of a very dry and hot growing season which was broken by some very welcome rain at the beginning of harvest. The unique character of the Quinta de Vargellas vineyard is clearly expressed in the 2022 wines, and we therefore considered it appropriate to bottle this year as a single quinta vintage. As for the Fonseca Guimaraens 2022, this is showing the characteristic aromatic opulence and voluptuous ripe black fruit character that are the hallmarks of the Guimaraens vintage style.”
A Single Quinta Port is a type of Vintage Port made from the grapes of a single estate (“Quinta” in Portuguese), rather than a blend of multiple vineyards. These Ports are typically produced in years when a full Vintage Port is not declared, but the estate’s grapes are still of exceptional quality. They are made in the same way as vintage Ports and can often offer better value for money than the main vintage. Some Port Houses are single quintas, for example, Quinta do Vesuvio.
Yes, it does require decanting. Stand the bottle upright for a good few hours (or a few days, if you are organised) before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. Read our decanting guide.
From Taylor’s Port,
“Deep purple black with a narrow magenta rim. Exuberant, powerful, fresh blackcurrant and cherry nose. Finesse, elegance and poise with a linear push of woodland fruit, hints of plum and a kiss of citrus and quince. This dense backdrop is overlaid with an enchanting grapey freshness that builds as the nose develops. The floral scents which are the hallmark of Vargellas are present, the characteristic violet fragrances intertwining with delicate blossom and herbal notes. A wave of clean berry fruit flows through the palate from beginning to end. The tannins are firm but well integrated, providing plenty of grip and an attractive touch of austerity. A fine single quinta Vintage Port, with perfect balance and confidence.”
Perfect on its own after a meal. It also pairs well with blue cheeses, walnuts, dried apricots, figs and other dried fruits.
94+ Points Robert Parker
17 Points Richard Mayson
95 Points Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
95 Points Decanter
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