Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port 2011

Winery Background and History

Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman (Taylor Fladgate) is among the oldest and most respected Port houses in Portugal, founded in 1692 and based in Vila Nova de Gaia. The Quinta de Vargellas estate is a core part of Taylor’s legacy—its vineyards have contributed to Taylor’s Vintage blends for generations. The Vinha Velha bottlings (i.e. “old vines” single-quinta vintage Ports) are rare, collectible releases drawn from the oldest vine plots of Vargellas, made in very limited volumes. Taylor notes that only eight Vinha Velha vintages have been released to date. 

Producer and Wine Maker

This wine is produced by Taylor Fladgate’s cellar and blending team. The project involves selecting fruit exclusively from the Vinha Velha (old-vine) parcels of Quinta de Vargellas—typically vines aged 80–120 years. The winemaking includes traditional foot treading, cautious extraction, fortification, and aging in oak vats before bottling unfiltered. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for this wine are drawn from the most venerable vineyard plots of Vargellas: plots such as Polverinho, Renova do Depósito, Renova do Armazém, and Gricha (old vine parcels). These plots host vines that are decades old, yielding low quantities but deep concentration. The Vargellas estate is located in the eastern Douro (Douro Superior), a region with steep terraced vineyards, schist soils, and a continental climate (hot summers, cold winters, strong diurnal shifts). 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The vintage Port was vinified in the classic style: grapes are harvested, fermented (often in traditional method) and fermentation is halted by fortification (addition of grape spirit) before all sugar is consumed. After fortification, the wine is aged in conditioned oak vats for about 2 years before bottling. It is then bottled unfiltered, allowing continued evolution in the bottle. 

Tasting Notes

The wine shows deep, intense purpleblack color. On the nose: complex aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, overlaid with notes of dark chocolate, exotic wood, black pepper, and delicate floral hints.  On the palate: dense, concentrated fruit (black and red berries), firm sinewy tannins, good acidity balance, a lingering finish of fresh berry flavour and depth. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair with blue veins cheeses (Stilton, Roquefort), dark chocolate desserts, dried fruits (figs, apricots), walnuts or nuts in general. Also excellent as a contemplative wine on its own after a meal.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve around 16-18 °C. Decant carefully (gently) to remove any sediment. Use a port glass or smaller red wine glass to concentrate aromas. After opening, consume within one or two days to enjoy its vibrancy. 

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for long life. Under ideal cellar conditions (cool, stable, dark, moderate humidity), it can evolve over decades. Its structure and acidity suggest it will develop tertiary complexity (leather, earth, dried fruit) while retaining fruit core.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Blend of traditional Douro varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

20.0 % (standard for Vintage Ports)