Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto is a rich, full-bodied expression from one of Portugal’s most historic Port houses and the producer that pioneered the Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) category. The current 2020 vintage is produced from traditional Douro varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, then matured in wood for several years before release. Bottled at 19% ABV according to the current U.S. importer specification, it delivers wild strawberry, cassis, raspberry, plum, floral notes, licorice, and rock rose with firm yet polished tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish.

Process & Profile

Taylor Fladgate developed the Late Bottled Vintage style as a high-quality, ready-to-drink alternative to traditional Vintage Port. Both styles are made from selected, full-bodied red Ports from a single harvest, but LBV remains in wood for approximately four to six years before bottling, whereas Vintage Port is bottled much earlier and completes most of its maturation in bottle.

The 2020 LBV combines Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. These classic Douro grapes collectively contribute dark fruit, floral perfume, firm tannins, aromatic intensity, spice, and the structure needed to create a concentrated yet balanced fortified wine.

Fruit for Taylor Fladgate LBV is selected from the house’s own vineyards and other leading properties in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior, two important sections of Portugal’s Douro Valley. After fortification, the wine receives its extended maturation in wood, allowing the tannins and concentrated fruit to integrate before bottling. Unlike most young Vintage Ports, it is already designed to be approachable when released.

In the glass, the 2020 vintage shows a deep purple color with a vivid ruby-red rim. The nose is layered and refined, revealing wild strawberry, cassis, raspberry, and plum, followed by elegant floral aromas, licorice, and rock rose.

The palate is rich and voluptuous, with concentrated plum and damson fruit supported by firm, linear tannins. Despite its sweetness and substantial body, the wine retains freshness and definition, preventing the profile from becoming overly heavy.

The finish is long and elegant, carrying plum, dark berries, floral nuances, and gentle spice. Taylor’s signature combination of concentration and restraint gives the wine impressive finesse while keeping it immediately enjoyable.

What makes Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto particularly compelling is its combination of single-vintage character, four-to-six years of wood maturation, classic Douro varieties, and ready-to-drink accessibility. It provides much of the dark-fruit intensity and structure associated with Vintage Port without requiring decades of bottle aging.

The 2020 vintage received 92 points from Wine Spectator, further underscoring the quality of the current release.

Serve at approximately 16–18°C / 60–64°F. Taylor Fladgate recommends it with full-flavored cheeses, particularly Stilton and Roquefort, as well as desserts based on dark chocolate or berry fruits. The wine is ready to drink and does not require decanting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto?
It is a fortified red Port produced from grapes harvested in a single vintage and matured in wood for approximately four to six years before bottling. Taylor Fladgate pioneered the LBV category as a ready-to-drink alternative to Vintage Port.

What are the key specs of Taylor Fladgate LBV 2020?
The current 2020 vintage is made from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. The current U.S. importer lists 19% ABV, 100 g/L residual sugar, 4.60 g/L acidity, and pH 3.66.

What flavors characterize Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto?
Expect wild strawberry, cassis, raspberry, plum, damson, floral notes, licorice, and rock rose, supported by firm tannins and a long, elegant dark-fruit finish.

How should you enjoy Taylor Fladgate LBV?
Serve it at approximately 60–64°F / 16–18°C. It does not require decanting and pairs particularly well with Stilton, Roquefort, dark chocolate desserts, and berry-based desserts.

What makes Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto special?
Its distinction comes from single-vintage Douro fruit, traditional Portuguese grape varieties, four-to-six years of maturation in wood, and Taylor Fladgate’s historic role in creating the LBV style. The result combines the richness and structure of serious Vintage Port with the convenience of a wine designed to be enjoyed immediately after release.