…a ‘Golden Age’

I recently had an insightful ‘Gold Class Tour’ from my good friend Robert Bower, who kindly drove me around their vineyard estates, arranged an up-close visit to the ageing cellars in both the Douro and Vila Nova di Gaia. Finishing with an incredibly decadent Port Tasting - with this 50-year-old Tawny near the end of the lineup, which I can still taste.
This is a blend of rare wood-aged Ports matured for five decades in large oak casks. This Taylor’s ‘Golden Age’ Port is a very special edition, released in limited quantities. This 50-year-old Tawny was sourced from four of their vineyard estates: Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita, Quinta do Junco and Quinta do Panascal, which are located in the eastern reaches of the Douro Valley. It must be noted that the individual wines used in the blending of this fine wine, were selected by a generation before and aged in Taylor’s cellars for more than half a century in cask. If you speak with David he describes this 50-year-old Tawny Port as having reached its ‘Golden Age’ of maturity, the point at which it achieves perfect balance, and an exceptional complexity, smoothness and density. Remember, this Taylor’s ‘Golden Age’ Tawny Port is a blend created using several aged Tawny components with an average of 50 years of age in the final blend.

★ You will be greeted by a chestnut, copper colour with a vibrant golden-amber hue. The aromas elevating from the glass are like a continuous delicate perfume mist. With primary notes of vanilla essence, dried figs, clove, nutmeg and marzipan. These are joined on the incredible viscous texture, with flavours of dried apricots, quince jam and orange chocolate all seamlessly adding a delicate richness to the wine. After taking in another breath in your get a secondary release of flavours from the layer of wine clinging happily to all parts of your palate. Revealing grilled peaches, passionfruit, toasted coconut, honeyed almonds and butterscotch. The velvety sweet texture of this wine wraps the palate from start to its poised finish, that you do not wish to end. Thankfully due to its incredible viscosity the wine lingers for an eternity, tempting you to another glass - or just leave the bottle.

This 50-Year-Old Tawny Port wine has been filtered before bottling and is ready to be enjoyed when released onto the market and does not require any further ageing in bottle.
This Taylor’s 50-Year-Old Tawny Port has 20% Alc./vol. and has 158g/L of residual sugar. No decanting required and serve in an appropriately shaped medium wine glass at 12°- 15°C. - *NZ$370.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 17/7/23)
Drinking perfectly this season; plus, can age, hold its character for another 8 - 10 years. Once opened - store in a cool place and enjoy within 2 - 3 months.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing Cambridge burnt cream, peach or apricot tart, caramel cheesecake, hazelnut ice-cream, carrot cake, brandy-snaps, cannoli's, rich cheeses, and figs with honey on brioche - enjoy.