Taylor Port Wine Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Taste and Quality

Taylor Port is a popular fortified wine that has been enjoyed by wine enthusiasts for centuries. The history of Taylor Port dates back to 1692 when John Fladgate and Hugh Taylor founded a winery in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Since then, the winery has produced some of the finest ports in the world.

Taylor Port is a moderately sweet, ruby red wine with a rich, fruity taste. It is perfect for evening sipping and a great companion for your favorite dessert. The wine has a smooth finish that makes it easy to drink and enjoy. Taylor Port is available in various styles, including Tawny and Fine Tawny Porto, each with its unique taste and aroma. If you are a wine lover, Taylor Port is a must-try wine that will not disappoint.

History and Origin

Taylor's Port has a long and fascinating history dating back to its foundation in 1692 by Job Bearsley. The company has remained independent since then, making it one of the oldest and most famous producers of port wine in the world.

Port wine is a fortified wine made in the Douro region of Portugal. The region is the oldest geographically demarcated wine region in the world, and its unique climate and soil conditions make it an ideal place for growing grapes. The Douro region is also known for its steep terraced vineyards, which are carved into the hillsides along the Douro River.

Taylor's Port is part of the Taylor Wine Company, which is based in New York. The company was founded in 1880 by a group of California residents who were looking for a new way to make wine. They discovered that by adding brandy to the wine during the fermentation process, they could create a stronger, more flavorful wine that would last longer.

Today, Taylor's Port is known for its high-quality, full-bodied wines that are rich in flavor and texture. The company produces a variety of different port wines, including vintage, tawny, and ruby ports. Each wine is aged for a specific amount of time in oak barrels, which gives them their unique flavor and character.

In conclusion, Taylor's Port has a rich history and is one of the oldest and most famous producers of port wine in the world. The Douro region of Portugal, where the wine is made, is known for its unique climate and soil conditions, which make it an ideal place for growing grapes. The Taylor Wine Company, based in New York, is the parent company of Taylor's Port and was founded in 1880 by a group of California residents.

Tasting Notes

Taylor Port is a moderately sweet, ruby-red wine with a rich, fruity taste. It is an iconic port wine with a smooth finish that makes it perfect for evening sipping and a great companion for your favorite dessert. Here are some tasting notes to help you appreciate the unique flavor of Taylor Port:

Taste: The taste of Taylor Port is intense and complex with a well-balanced sweetness. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor that is both fruity and nutty.

Flavor: The flavor of Taylor Port is a combination of dried fruits, chocolate, and toffee. It has a nutty, caramel taste with a hint of spice and licorice.

Aroma: The aroma of Taylor Port is fruity with a distinct dark fruit scent. It has a sweet, nutty aroma with a hint of raspberry.

Pairing: Taylor Port pairs well with chocolate and coffee desserts, nuts, and cheeses. It is also a great sipping wine to enjoy on its own.

Overall, Taylor Port is a delicious and versatile wine that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a dessert wine to pair with your favorite dish or a sipping wine to enjoy on a cozy evening, Taylor Port is an excellent choice.

Wine Characteristics

Taylor Port is a fortified sweet wine that is ruby in color. It has a moderate body, with flavors of smooth caramel and nutty aroma. The wine is rich with flavors of dark fruits such as plum and blackberry, with notes of caramel, spice, and chocolate. On the palate, you will experience flavors of dried fruits such as figs and raisins. The wine is full-bodied, with a concentrated, long, and smooth finish.

The alcohol content of Taylor Port is 15% ABV, which is typical for a fortified wine. The wine is aged in wood, which gives it complexity and depth. The aging process also helps to develop the wine's structure, making it a flavorful and complex wine.

Taylor Port is a dessert wine that is perfect for pairing with chocolate and coffee or nuts. It is best served at a temperature of 55-60°F in a copita glass. The sweetness of the wine makes it a great choice for after-dinner sipping or pairing with desserts.

Overall, Taylor Port is a quality wine that is perfect for those who enjoy sweet fortified wines. It is a great example of a ruby port and is perfect for those who enjoy the complexity of aged tawny ports. The wine has a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and spirits, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a variety of flavors in their wine.

Pairing and Serving

When it comes to pairing and serving Taylor Port, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you're getting the most out of this delicious wine.

Food Pairings

Taylor Port is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods. It's often enjoyed alongside desserts, especially those with chocolate, as the sweetness of the wine complements the richness of the chocolate. It can also be paired with cheese, particularly blue cheese or aged cheddar, as the wine's tannins cut through the richness of the cheese.

In addition to desserts and cheese, Taylor Port can also be paired with nuts, dried fruits, and even spicy dishes. The wine's rich, fruity flavors and notes of spice and caramel make it a great complement to a wide range of flavors.

Serving Temperature and Glassware

To fully enjoy the flavors of Taylor Port, it's important to serve it at the right temperature and in the right glassware. Taylor Port is best served slightly chilled, ideally between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to bring out the wine's complex flavors and aromas.

When it comes to glassware, a copita glass is the traditional choice for serving port. This small, tulip-shaped glass is designed to help concentrate the wine's aromas and flavors. However, if you don't have a copita glass, a small wine glass or even a brandy snifter will work just fine.

Suggested Serving

Taylor Port is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal. If you're serving it as an aperitif, try pairing it with some nuts or dried fruits to help bring out the wine's flavors. If you're serving it with a meal, consider pairing it with a dessert or cheese course.

Overall, Taylor Port is a delicious and versatile wine that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're enjoying it on its own or as part of a meal, be sure to serve it at the right temperature and in the right glassware to get the most out of this wonderful wine.

Reviews and Ratings

Taylor Port is a popular fortified wine that has received many reviews and ratings from both professionals and consumers. Here is a summary of some of the most relevant reviews and ratings for Taylor Port:

Price and Value: Taylor Port is reasonably priced and offers good value for money. A 750ml bottle of Taylor Port typically costs around $15-$20, depending on the retailer and location.

Professional Ratings: Taylor Port has received positive ratings from many wine experts and publications. For example, Wine Enthusiast gave Taylor Port a score of 88 points, describing it as "moderately sweet, with a rich, fruity taste and a smooth finish."

Community Reviews: Taylor Port has received many positive reviews from consumers on websites such as Drizly. On average, Taylor Port has a community score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 73 reviews.

Natalie's Score: Natalie MacLean, a wine critic and author, gave Taylor Port a score of 89 points, describing it as "a moderately sweet, ruby red port with a rich, fruity taste and a smooth finish."

Overall, Taylor Port is a well-regarded fortified wine that offers good value for money and has received positive reviews and ratings from both professionals and consumers alike. If you are looking for a moderately sweet port to enjoy on its own or with dessert, Taylor Port is definitely worth considering.

Producer and Packaging

Taylor Port is a well-known wine brand produced by the Taylor Wine Company, one of the oldest and largest port wine houses in Porto, Portugal. The company was founded in 1692 and has been producing some of the best vintage port wines in Portugal for over three centuries. Taylor's focus mainly on vintage port, tawny port, and late bottled vintage (LBV), a category that, according to Jorge Ramos, Taylor's created in 1970, with the 1965 vintage.

The Taylor Wine Company also has a presence in the United States, with its headquarters in New York. The company's port wines are imported to the United States and distributed by Kobrand Corporation.

Taylor Port comes in a variety of bottle sizes, including 375ml, 750ml, and 1.5L. The packaging of Taylor Port is simple yet elegant, with a classic label design that has remained largely unchanged over the years. The label features the Taylor's logo, which includes the company's name and the year of its founding, along with the words "Port Wine" and the name of the specific wine variety.

In summary, Taylor Port is a high-quality wine produced by a well-established and respected wine company. The packaging is simple yet elegant, with a classic label design that reflects the brand's long history and tradition.

Special Occasions and Gifts

Taylor Port is a perfect choice for special occasions and gift-giving. Its complex and bold flavors make it a luxurious and sophisticated choice for any celebration. Here are some ideas for when to gift Taylor Port:

• Birthdays: Instead of a traditional bottle of wine, surprise the birthday person with a bottle of Taylor Port. It's a unique and memorable gift that they will surely appreciate.
• Anniversaries: Celebrate a special milestone like a wedding anniversary with a bottle of Taylor Port. It's a romantic and elegant choice that will make the occasion even more special.
• Special Occasions: Whether it's a graduation, retirement, or any other significant life event, Taylor Port is a thoughtful and impressive gift that will show how much you care.

Taylor Port also comes in a variety of vintages and styles, making it easy to choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. Here are some of our top picks:

No matter which vintage or style you choose, Taylor Port is sure to impress. Its rich and complex flavors make it a luxurious and sophisticated choice for any special occasion or gift-giving.

Legal and Health Notices

When it comes to enjoying Taylor Port wine, there are a few legal and health notices to keep in mind. Here are some important things to know:

ABV

Taylor Port wine has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 15%. As with all alcoholic beverages, it's important to drink in moderation and never drink and drive. It's also important to keep in mind that the higher the ABV, the stronger the effects of the alcohol will be.

Proposition 65 Warning

Proposition 65 is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers about significant exposures to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Taylor Port wine contains sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. As a result, the bottle includes a Proposition 65 warning label. If you have a sulfite allergy, it's important to avoid drinking Taylor Port wine.

Alcohol Consumption

It's important to drink alcohol responsibly and in moderation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Drinking more than this can increase the risk of health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

In conclusion, while Taylor Port wine can be enjoyed in moderation, it's important to keep in mind the ABV, Proposition 65 warning, and alcohol consumption guidelines. By drinking responsibly, you can enjoy the rich and complex flavors of this delicious fortified wine.

Aftertaste and Finish

When it comes to wine, the aftertaste and finish are crucial factors that can make or break a wine's reputation. The aftertaste refers to the taste that lingers in your mouth after swallowing the wine. A good aftertaste should be pleasant and leave a positive impression on the palate. On the other hand, a bad aftertaste can ruin the entire wine-drinking experience.

Taylor Port wine has a rich, fruity taste that is moderately sweet. It is perfect for evening sipping and pairs well with desserts. The aftertaste of Taylor Port wine is smooth and round, with notes of dark fruit. It is not overly sweet, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a drier wine.

The finish of Taylor Port wine is also noteworthy. The finish refers to the final taste and sensation that you experience after swallowing the wine. A good finish should be long-lasting and satisfying. Taylor Port wine has a smooth finish that is not too dry or too sweet. It leaves a pleasant taste in your mouth that lingers for a while.

In summary, the aftertaste and finish of Taylor Port wine are both excellent. The aftertaste is smooth and round with notes of dark fruit, while the finish is satisfying and long-lasting. If you are looking for a wine that is perfect for evening sipping and pairs well with desserts, Taylor Port wine is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wine is Taylor Port?

Taylor Port is a fortified wine that is made primarily from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão grapes.

What are the flavors of Taylor Port wine?

Taylor Port wine has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dark fruit, figs, dried apricots, mango, ginger, and creme brulee. It can also have a buttery finish.

What is the size range for Taylor Port wine?

Taylor Port wine is available in a range of sizes, including 375ml, 750ml, and 1.5L bottles.

What makes Taylor Port wine special?

Taylor Port wine is known for its elegance, power, and finesse. It is made by Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman, one of Portugal's oldest founding Port Houses. The winery uses traditional methods to produce a range of superior Ports that are highly regarded by wine enthusiasts around the world.

Is Taylor Port wine meant to be chilled?

No, Taylor Port wine is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled. It is not meant to be served over ice.

What are some alternatives to Taylor Port wine?

If you're looking for an alternative to Taylor Port wine, you might consider trying other fortified wines, such as Madeira or Sherry. These wines have similar flavor profiles and are also highly regarded by wine enthusiasts.

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