Guide to Taylor Port Wine: 10 Exotic Bottles to Buy in 2024

Taylor Port is a sweet, fortified wine admired for its elegance, power, and finesse. 

It’s made by Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman (or simply Taylor Fladgate) — one of Portugal’s oldest ​​founding Port Houses. This winery produces a range of superior Ports — from buttery dessert wines and fruity Ruby Ports to age-worthy vintage Port wines.

Let’s explore the best Taylor Port wine bottles in 2024, why you should invest in the finest ones, and how to invest in these wines through Vinovest. 

You’ll also discover a few interesting facts about Taylor’s Port wine, serving tips and food pairings, the Taylor Port estate’s viticulture and terroir, its winemaking practices, and colorful history.

The 10 Most Magnificent Taylor Port Wines

Here are some of the best Taylors Port wines to add to your collection:

1. NV Taylor's Fladgate Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port
2. 2009 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
3. 1995 Quinta do Junco Vintage Port
4. 1900 Quinta do Junco Colheita Port
5. 1997 Taylor Fladgate Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port
6. 1961 Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port
7. 1973 Taylor Fladgate Crusted Port
8. NV Taylor Fladgate 40-year-old Tawny Port
9. 2015 Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port
10. NV Taylor Fladgate A Century of Port

1. NV Taylor's Fladgate Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port ($4,554)

Aged for almost nine decades in seasoned oak casks, this Taylor Tawny Port has a seductive and unique taste. 

The nose is complex with butterscotch, almond, and vanilla aroma notes. The velvety palate has a smooth caramel flavor, impressive density, and crisp, vibrant acidity.

2. 2009 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port ($88)

This smooth and satisfying dessert wine opens with concentrated aromas of black woodland fruits, raspberry, and plum. The palate is enriched with ripe black fruit flavor and gives way to a long finish.

3. 1995 Quinta do Junco Vintage Port ($60)

This Taylors Vintage Port is a rich blend of cream candy, cacao, vanilla, and burnt sugar. The medium-bodied palate has fruity notes with an elegant finish.

4. 1900 Quinta do Junco Colheita Port ($795)

Here we have a rich and warm dessert wine admired for its chocolaty notes. 

The vintage Port has primary tasting notes of rich mellow fruit, prunes, and a nutty aroma with a hint of Christmas spices and a smooth finish.

5. 1997 Taylor Fladgate Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port ($582)

This red wine has intense black fruit and chocolate scents. The luscious palate has a rich fruity taste, cigar spice, and fresh leather flavor notes.

Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate gave this incredible wine 93 points.

6. 1961 Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port ($390)

The 1961 Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port, made with rare cask aged wine, has delicate wood notes of molasses, cedarwood, and tobacco aromas. 

The dense, rounded palate has a unique taste with butterscotch, orange marmalade, and dried fruit flavor hints.

7. 1973 Taylor Fladgate Crusted Port ($309)

Here we have a smooth satisfying dessert wine with delicate wood notes and rich mellow fruit flavor notes.

8. Taylor Fladgate 40-year-old Tawny Port ($220)

This rare, old Taylor Fladgate Port has honey and dried fruit aromas, accompanied by classic flavor notes of walnut and roasted coffee. It also has an incredible depth of character.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave this dessert wine 95 points.

9. 2015 Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port ($55)

This lovely Port wine has wild dark berry notes underlaid with chocolate, candied orange zest, tobacco spice, and a hint of prunes.

10. NV Taylor Fladgate A Century of Port ($113)

This rare gift box contains the best 10 year, 20 year, 30 year, and 40 year old Tawnies — your chance to explore Tawny Port’s exotic flavors and the beauty of different high quality aged wines!

Should You Invest In Taylor Port Wines?

Taylor’s sought-after vintage Port wines can effortlessly age for 20-50 years — some even longer!

Taylor’s exceptional aging potential, high scores by top wine critics (like Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate), and consistent price appreciation make it a great long-term investment choice. Some of the best vintages to get your hands on are 2007, 2009, 2011, 2016, and 2017. 

Taylor Fladgate Port wines are also popular at auctions. For example:

• 24 bottles of Taylor's Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny Port sold for $1,700 at a 2016 Christie’s auction.
• A bottle of 1948 Taylor’s Fladgate Vintage Port sold for $1,646 at a 2013 Christie’s auction.

Taylor Port’s price has also increased steadily in recent years. For example:

• The 1945 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port’s price increased by nearly 49%, from $1,558 in August 2022 to $2,319 in August 2023.
• The price of the 1997 Taylor Fladgate Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port increased by 99%, from $296 in August 2022 to $591 in August 2023. 

Now, what’s the easiest way to get your hands on an extraordinary bottle of Taylor dessert wines?

Invest in the Finest Taylor Port Wines Through Vinovest

Vinovest is a trusted wine investment firm that helps you buy, store, and sell fine winesfrom all over the world. It’ll even authenticate your wines and deliver them to you anywhere in the world.

How Does it Work?

To start investing with Vinovest:

1. Sign up on the Vinovest website.
2. Answer a set of questions on your risk appetite and investment preferences.
3. Make your first deposit of a minimum of $1000.
4. Start building your fine wine investment portfolio and watch it grow!

The Benefits of Investing Through Vinovest 

Here are a few compelling reasons to invest through Vinovest:

• Easy Buying and Selling: Vinovest has an AI-driven wine investing platform that makes it easy to buy and sell wine bottles at any time with just a few clicks. Additionally, our advisors will work with you to maximize your returns — no matter the market conditions. They’ll guide you on the best liquidity options and the best time to sell your wines.
• Best Prices: Vinovest buys wine directly from wine merchants, wineries, and wine exchanges around the world. This means you get the best below-retail prices for your wines. 
• Optimal Storage: Vinovest’s warehouses are monitored 24/7 to maintain optimal temperature control, the right light, and humidity. The warehouses also have a backup power supply in case of power cuts. 
• Provenance and Authenticity: Vinovest’s wine experts ensure the Provenance of the wine bottle and its authenticity. So, you don’t have to worry about counterfeit bottles ever again.

And that's not all! Visit the Vinovest website today to discover all the other benefits. 

Now, let’s look deeper into how the Taylor Port wine is made and what makes it special.

All You Need to Know About Taylor’s Port Wine

Taylor’s Port is owned by The Fladgate Partnership (Robertson family.) It also owns other famous Port brands like Croft, Fonseca, and Krohn. 

Not to be confused with Taylor Wine Company (in Keuka Lake, New York) which produces Taylor Marsala and Sherries, Taylor’s Port is an independent Port House located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

Here are some quick facts about this sweet, fortified wine: 

What Makes Taylor Port Wine Special?

Taylor Port wine is special due to its rich and intense flavor notes, depth, and luscious texture. It perfectly balances sweetness and acidity, making it a favorite dessert wine among wine enthusiasts.

Can You Use Taylor Port Wine for Drinking or Cooking?

Taylor Port wine has a unique taste and depth, making it perfect for cooking. The wine’s strong flavor and high alcohol content make it excellent for whipping up sauces, marinades, and desserts.

For example, you could attempt gourmet cooking and make a delicious dish of pork medallions in a creamy mushroom and port sauce. 

Taylor Port wine’s classic flavor makes it ideal as a late-evening or end-of-dinner drink. 

When Was Taylor Port Wine First Made?

Taylor Fladgate Port wine was first made in 1692. This wine has been around for more than three centuries. 

What Grape Varieties Are Used to Make Taylor Port Wine?

Taylor Port vintage wine is made from traditional Douro Valley grape varieties of three Quintas (estates.) 

These grape varieties include:

• Touriga Francesa
• Touriga Nacional
• Tinta Roriz
• Tinto Cão

To get the high alcohol content, the wine is mixed with spirits (like brandy). 

What Are the Main Types of Taylor Port Wine?

Taylor Port makes two styles of wine:

• Bottle-aged port: The Port house makes two styles of bottle-aged Port - vintage and crusted.
• Wood-aged port: Taylor’s makes three styles of wood-aged Port - red, aged Tawny, and white. 

The brand has one of the biggest reserves of rare cask-aged wines and pioneered the famous Late Bottled Vintage Port style. 

What Color Is Taylor Port Wine?

Taylor Tawny Port has a light brown or gold color, while the Ruby Port has a deep red hue. Taylor’s white Port has a pale, straw color. 

How Much Alcohol Is in Taylor Port Wine?

Taylor Port wine has an ABV of 20%.

How Many Calories Does Taylor Port Contain?

A standard 2 oz pour of Taylor Port wine has about 103 calories.

Serving And Food Pairing Suggestions For Taylor Port

Here are some tips to follow if you plan to enjoy or serve a glass of Taylor Port wine:

• How Do You Drink Taylor Port?
• What Can You Mix With Taylor Port Wine?
• What is the Ideal Serving Temperature for Taylor Port?
• What Food Can You Pair with Taylor Port?

1. How Do You Drink Taylor Port?

Taylor Port wine is typically served in a copita or dessert wine glass at the end of a meal. You can also serve it as an evening aperitif, dinner drink, or mixed it with other spirits or juices. 

2. What Can You Mix With Taylor Port Wine?

Taylor Desserts Port is delicious on its own, but you can also make various cocktails. For example:

• Cranberry Juice Sangria (with late bottled vintage Port)
• Lemonade with Port
• Orange and Port
• Apple Ginger Beer Port
• Irish Port (made with Irish single malt scotch whisky)

3. What is the Ideal Serving Temperature for Taylor Port?

Serve a bottle of Taylor Desserts Port at room temperature or slightly chilled at 55-58°F.

Ideally, you should serve the wine in a Port wine glass or a small white wine glass to fully appreciate its bold aromas and flavors.

How long does Taylor Port wine last after opening?

A bottle of Taylor Port wine can last for about two months in the refrigerator after you open it.

4. What Food Can You Pair with Taylor Port?

Taylor dessert wines are ideal for gourmet cooking and are the perfect accompaniment to many dishes. Here are the best dishes to pair with everyone’s favorite dessert wine:

• Meat: Roasted duck, venison, and steak
• Cheese: Goat cheese, cheddar, blue cheese, Stilton
• Fruit and nuts: Red berries, almonds, and walnuts 
• Dessert: Poached pears, apple pie, cookies, ice cream, caramel, chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, dark chocolate truffle, and other chocolate-related products.

The Taylor Port Estate: Viticulture And Terroir

Taylor’s vineyard model is based on sustainable viticultural practices including: 

• Avoiding irrigation
• Allowing each grape variety to ripen naturally without herbicides
• Encouraging the growth of natural vegetation to minimize soil erosion

Let’s take a look at the three Quintas in the Douro Valley:

• Quinta de Vargellas (164 ha): This Quinta is one of Taylor’s first plots. 

The vineyards are located on steep northeast-facing slopes with low sun exposure. The vines produce fruit with complex flavors, strong scents, and sinewy tannins.

• Quinta de Terra Feita (217 ha): The Quinta de Terra Feita is an A-rated vineyard with south-facing slopes on the west bank of the Pinhao River. The fruit from this Quinta’s schist soils produces complex wines with a more earthy character.
• Quinta do Junco (82 ha): Located in the Pinhao Valley, the Quinta do Junco consists of vertically planted vineyards that fully expose the grape vines to the sun. The wines made from the grape varieties at this vineyard are concentrated and structured.

How Is Taylor Port Wine Made?

The grapes are handpicked and carried in small trays to avoid damage. 

Then they are sent to the Quinta da Nogueira winery for further processing. Here’s what happens at the winery:

• Destemming: The destemmed grapes are added to Lagars (granite treading tanks), where they are crushed.
• Fermentation: The winemaker starts the fermentation with the grape must (skins included.)  

After half of the red wine ferments, the grape skins are allowed to rise and form a cap at the surface of the Lagar. The fermenting wine below the cap is poured into vats.

• Addition of spirits: Alcoholic beverages like brandy are added to the neutral wine for more structure.
• Aging: Next, the Port wine is sent to the cellars to mature in cask or vat vessels. 

Tawny Port wines are usually aged in seasoned oak casks that give the wines complex and buttery aromas. Vintage Port wines are then bottled and stored in the tunnels beneath the cellar.

A Brief History Of Taylor Port

Taylor Port was founded as a wine trade business in 1692 by Job Bearsley. 

Job Bearsley expanded the business and bought the first wine estate (Lugar das Lages) in the 1700s.

Joseph Taylor, his successor, expanded the trade business across the globe in the 1800s. 

In 1836, John Fladgate (a wine merchant) became a partner. In 1838, John Fladgate and Morgan Yeatman forged a new partnership, and in 1844, they formed Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman. 

The most significant achievements came in the 1900s under the Yeatman family: 

• In 1934, they created the first dry white Port and bought the Francesca Port House in 1949.
• In the early 1970s, they launched a range of 10, 20, 30, and 40 year old Tawny Ports and built new bottling facilities in Vila Nova de Gaia. They also launched the first Late Bottled Vintage wine in 1970, which was hugely successful.
• They purchased Quinta de Terra Feita in 1974 and Quinta do Junco in 1997.
• In 1994, they hired Adrian Bridge to manage the company’s brands, Taylor’s Port and Fonseca Port, in the United States and the United Kingdom — he made rapid changes and expansions in these markets.

In the 2000s, under Adrian Bridge (currently Taylor’s CEO) and David Guimaraens (Head Winemaker), Taylors Port introduced new winemaking techniques, adopted sustainable viticulture, and improved their cellars.

Time To Own A Fine Taylor Port Wine!

Taylor Port is a well-established Port House that has produced superior Ports through the centuries — from delicious Ruby Red Port and savory dessert wines to age-worthy Vintage Port wines. 

Some of these high quality vintages can age for decades and develop complex flavors.

To invest in fine wines like vintage Ports, Bordeaux wine and more, check out the Vinovestwebsite.

This wine investing platform will help you curate a portfolio of fine wines from regions like New York (United States), the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, South Australia, France, and more.