Taylor Fladgate 1971 Single Harvest Port

Winery Background and History

Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman (Taylor Fladgate) is one of Portugal’s oldest and most esteemed Port houses, founded in 1692 in Vila Nova de Gaia.  Taylor has a tradition of holding deep reserves of wood-aged Ports, including “Single Harvest” (a limited edition, age-statement cask-matured offering) wines, which are released (usually 50 years after vintage) to showcase exceptional years in the wood-matured style. 

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine was produced by the Taylor Fladgate blending and aging team. In the Single Harvest series, Taylor takes cask-matured Port lots from a single declared vintage (in this case 1971) and releases them after decades of wood aging, without further blending across vintages. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The base grapes for this offering come from vineyards in the Douro Valley, likely including Taylor’s estates such as Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta do Junco, and Terra Feita.  The Douro has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters; its steep terraces and schist soils provide stress and concentration in the fruit. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

After partial fermentation, the must is fortified with grape spirit to arrest fermentation and retain residual sugar (the standard Port method). The Port is then aged in seasoned oak casks (large vessels) for approximately 50 years before bottling (Taylor holds these in their aging cellars).  Because it is from a single harvest and matured entirely in cask before bottling, no further vintage blending is done. 

Tasting Notes

Color: Medium tawny-brown hue with a fading amber rim. 

Aromas: Warm, mellow notes of black coffee, molasses, marzipan, dried fig, sultana, cigar box, cedar; hints of rose petal, black tea, orange blossom, spice like black pepper. 

Palate: Silky texture, balance between richness and freshness. The palate shows dried honey, clove, molasses, dried fruits (figs, sultanas), subtle spice, some peppercorn, with good acidity to lift and integrate the layers. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with figs, almonds, caramel dessert, crème brûlée, and wild strawberries. It also can be enjoyed on its own or with walnuts or dried fruit. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve slightly cool between 12-16 °C. Decanting is not required (no sediment expected in this style). Best enjoyed in a port glass or smaller red wine glass to concentrate its oxidative aromas. 

Storage and Aging Potential

Because it has already spent decades in cask, further bottle aging will be more subtle. Under proper storage (cool, stable, dark), it should remain elegant and expressive for years. After opening, consume within a few weeks to preserve aromatic brightness.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Blend of traditional Port grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

20 % ABV 

Scores / Assessment

• Neal Martin (Vinous) gave a 95 / 100 and commented: “Warm mellow notes of black coffee, molasses and marzipan blend with dried fig, sultana … silky texture, fresh acidity, long, mellow finish.”