93 Points Tasting Panel
Deep ruby core with vivid ruby rim. The nose is very fine and multi-layered, with rich strawberry jam aromas, herbal notes, and fresh scents of cedarwood. There is also a discrete dimension, a luxurious redolence of leather and mocha coffee. the palate has an attractive edge of austerity with taut tannins providing a firm grip to the long finish
90 Points Wine Enthusiast
The latest release of this perennially popular Port is still young and deserves some bottle age. The tannins mingle with the ripe black fruits, surmounted by the blackberry aroma. Drink this wine from 2027.
Winemaker Note
Vintage Port and LBV both present a selection of very fine full bodied red ports from a single year. The fundamental difference between the two styles lies in the way each is matured. Vintage Port is kept in wood for only twenty months or so before being transferred to the bottle where it will continue to age. Late Bottled Vintage, as the name suggests, is bottled later, remaining in wood between four and six years. During this relatively long period of wood ageing, an LBV matures and settles down - it is ready to drink when bottled, does not need to be decanted and can be served by the glass for several weeks after the cork is drawn.
LBV was developed as a high quality but more affordable and immediately drinkable alternative to Vintage port to be enjoyed by the glass on everyday occasions. It was first launched in 1970 by Taylor Fladgate's current Chairman, Alistair Robertson, with the Late Bottled Vintage 1965.
Although many other houses now offer this wonderful style of wine, Taylor Fladgate's LBV – the original Late Bottled Vintage – remains the benchmark in the category; the first choice of the knowledgeable Port drinker.
