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Taylor's Vargellas Vinha Velha 2011

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Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
6 75cl Bottle Case 3 £530 per Case Cases [Add to shopping basket]
Tasting Notes

The 2011 Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port is a typical field blend aged in used French oak vats. It comes in with 105 grams per liter of residual sugar. The youngest, fleshiest and fullest (perhaps because it is the youngest) of this vertical except for the unbottled 2017, this is also one of the most delicious. The fruit is so delectable that, at first, you don't notice how much pure power it has. Then, it's gorgeously textured, precise, focused and penetrating.

Score: 97

Mark Squires, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2027 - 2075 11 July 2019

Deep, bright medium ruby. Wild aromas of cassis, exotic flowers and Asian spices show a youthfully medicinal cast. Plush, sweet and utterly seamless, showing outstanding inner-mouth aromatic character to its dense dark fruit and floral flavors. Boasts a near-perfect balance of sweetness and sheer power thanks to its great supporting structure. The palate-staining finish features outstanding floral lift. This wonderfully fresh port should go on for decades but it's shockingly sexy right now.

Score: 98

Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com 01 May 2014

A delicate style, very peppery, featuring lithe flavors of red berry, dark currant and wild plum that are matched with plenty of minerally notes. Tar and dark chocolate accents fill the finish, with plenty of grip. Best from 2018 through 2045.

Score: 96

Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2018-2045 15 October 2013

As a reminder, the Vinha Vilha is a selection of old vine fruit from the terraces of Polverinho and Renova do Armazem. Comparing it directly with the Taylor’s, there is even more complexity and volume on the nose, with black currant, dark plum and a more accentuated crushed stone aroma that lends it wonderful terroir expression. Like the Fonseca, it develops compelling marine scents after 30-40 minutes in the glass, like stepping over rock pools when you were a kid. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous, sensual ripe tannins that layer the mouth. There is a palpable sense of harmony and composure to this Vinha Velha and there is a lot of horsepower, more so than the Taylor’s, on the multi-dimensional finish. The intensity of fruit means that it does not quite have the same degree of tension as the Taylor’s, but the depth and breadth of this young Port suggests it will be a seriously long-term fortified wine.

Score: 96 - 98

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 28 June 2013

As a reminder, the Vinha Vilha is a selection of old vine fruit from the terraces of Polverinho and Renova do Armazem. Comparing it directly with the Taylor’s, there is even more complexity and volume on the nose, with black currant, dark plum and a more accentuated crushed stone aroma that lends it wonderful terroir expression. Like the Fonseca, it develops compelling marine scents after 30-40 minutes in the glass, like stepping over rock pools when you were a kid. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous, sensual ripe tannins that layer the mouth. There is a palpable sense of harmony and composure to this Vinha Velha and there is a lot of horsepower, more so than the Taylor’s, on the multi-dimensional finish. The intensity of fruit means that it does not quite have the same degree of tension as the Taylor’s, but the depth and breadth of this young Port suggests it will be a seriously long-term fortified wine. Tasted May 2013.

Score: 96 - 98

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 June 2013

Beautiful nose of flowers with plums and cherries; more like a fine table wine on the nose. Full body, medium sweet with super-refined tannins and a long, superb finish. All about finesse here. Only 310 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine from 19th century vines at the Vargellas estate. Try in 2022.

Score: 96

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2022+ 21 May 2013