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$39.95
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WE 90
Portugal
-
Madeira
In stock,
6
available
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List $49.00
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90 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$49 list] The Madeira regulations say that 10-years old is the age of the youngest part of the blend. So this richly sweet Malmsey contains many older wines. These are shown in the old gold color, the proper citrus acidity and the dryness that goes with wood aging. At the end, though, the liquid honey flavors are dominant. (12/15/08)"
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$38.95
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Portugal
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Madeira
In stock,
4
available
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Madeira Wine Guide: "Bright tawny color with straw-colored rim, intense nose of dried fruits, caramel and toffee. The palate is sweet and shows lots of acidity to counter-balance the sweetness, in fact the acidity carries the wine through to the toffee-ish finish, with a little coffee and also caramel on the way. Well done. Tasted 3/2008."
San Francisco Chronicle: "Cossart Gordon, arguably the oldest of the Madeira shippers and now another of the Madeira Wine Co. labels, is better known for its nonvintage wines, but this 1997 is full of briny tang -- more than you'd expect for the somewhat sweet Bual. Lots of iodine and hazelnut, papaya and burnt orange, with an intense acidity to enliven it. (12/19/10)"
Medium rich. Aged for 11 years in oak casks. Made from the grapes of a single year's harvest. The wine is aged in the traditional 'canteiro' system, whereby the oak casks are placed high up in the hot, dry lofts of the lodge and left for years to develop their charactiveric flavor and complexity.
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$37.95
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WS 95
WA 93
WE 93
Portugal
-
Port
In stock, 12+ available
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95 points Wine Spectator: "Redolent of blackberry and dark fruits, this also features a fascinating mix of mocha, graphite and tobacco. Very juicy as well, which features into the finish of fine-grained tannins and spice. An exuberant and refined Vintage Port. Best from 2020 through 2050. (4/30/12)"
93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Croft has a very pure pretty bouquet with ripe blueberry and dark plum-scented bouquet. Fine definition although not quite as complex as I remember the 2007 at the same stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, supple tannins, moderate acidity, harmonious with a plush blackberry, crème de cassis and spice-tinged finish. Good potential, although I think the 2007 has an intellectual edge. (May 2011)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Based on the Roêda vineyard, this opulent, fruity wine is dense, beautifully ripe, a powerhouse of sweet fruit, figs and raisins, plum jelly and the roundest, most generous tannins. It's a wine that will show well in the next few years, but which should age magnificently. abv: 20%. (Apr 2012)"
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$49.95
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WE 91
IWC 90
WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
10
available
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91 points Wine Enthusiast: "Soft in texture yet mouthcoating in its intensity, this is a honeyed, nutty wine filled with dried fruit, toffee and almond butter aromas and flavors. Like all tawnies, it won’t improve with bottle age, so drink this while your young vintage Ports hog the cellar space. (Mar 2008)"
17.5/20 points (91), Decanter: "Pale to mid-deep tawny/mahogany colour. A rather 'silent' nose compared to some in this tasting but obviously well developed. Thick-cut traditional marmalade character, rich and spicy mid-palate yet made in a dryish house style with gentle spicy length. Rich, complex and very satisfying. Alcohol 20%. (Jan 2013)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Complex aromas of toffee, roasted nuts, lead pencil, orange peel and caraway seed. Intensely flavored fruit is silky but nicely delineated; offers a fresh flavor of orange peel. Not at all thick, but brisk and vibrant. Finishes clean and long, with hints of smoked nuts and marzipan. This has far stronger material than the 10-Year-Old, which seemed clumsy and dull in comparison."
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$57 list] Delicate, with a lively array of bright dried mango, date and dried apricot flavors that feature plenty of smoky notes. Features notes of white chocolate, fruitcake and honey on the rich finish. Drink now. (10/27/10)"
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$28.95
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W&S 91
WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
9
available
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List $35.00
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'100 Best Buys of 2009' and 91 points Wine & Spirits: "Fruit interprets the alcohol in this wine with the orange-citrus scent of rum cake. Then Douro schist cuts the sweetness and strengthens the fruit presence to fuller pear, hazelnut and wildflower honey notes. It ends on a long, peppery buzz, delicious and satisfying. (Dec 2008)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] Refined, with bright flavors of dried berry, plum compote and cherry tart that are long and lush. Very creamy on the finish, which features chocolate mousse. Drink now. (6/30/12)"
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$46.95
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WS 94
WE 94
JG 93
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
9
available
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List $55.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Intense, powerful and complex, this features heady aromas and flavors of toffee, marzipan, butterscotch and chocolate. Notes of mocha and French roast chime in as well, with a long, glorious finish of dried white fruits and spice. Drink now. (6/30/12)"
94 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2012 (#33),' Wine Enthusiast: "A gorgeous Port at that right stage where there is still freshness and hints of orange and dried fruits, while the wood aging is concentrating the wine into its essence. It is rich, full, yet at the same time has a great tang of spirit and acidity. (Jun 2012)"
93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "While I have drunk a great deal of Taylor’s various tawny bottlings, this was the first time that I had ever tasted one of Fonseca’s Twenty Year-Old tawnies, and I was quite blown away by this superb wine. The bouquet is deep and ethereal, as it offers up a fine mélange of orange zest, dried red berries, Fonseca’s signature note of fennel, a complex base of soil, exotic spices and a lovely, Sherry-like note of nuttiness. On the palate the wine is fullish, focused and brilliantly delineated, with lovely sweetness on the attack, a fine core of fruit, great complexity, and a very cool and balanced profile on the long, classy and complex finish. This wine delivers a seamless palate impression and stunning grip, and is a glorious bottle of tawny. 2006-2016+. (Jan/Feb 2007)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "A classical balance of the fresh and the mature, this 20-Year-Old offers warm honey, apple and almond notes on a supple texture with just a touch of grip. The flavors are rich while the structure holds them tight. Pour this with a savory almond tart. (Dec 2008)"
(The Tasting Panel): "Plums, toffee, spice and coffee on the nose are echoed on the palate. Medium-bodied and silky in the mouth. (May 2013)"
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$29.95
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WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
4
available
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List $35.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] This has a zesty, sweet floral aroma, with delicate, well-spiced flavors of apple tart, flan and cocoa powder. The plush, mouthfilling finish of cream, vanilla and raspberry is fresh and balanced. Drink now. (10/27/10)"
'Gold Medal,' Decanter: "(20% alcohol) Smooth, silky and gentle with lovely intensity and Muscovado sugar notes. Elegant and flavoursome with a good nutty character. (Oct 2010)"
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$49.95
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WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock, 12+ available
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List $60.00
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17.5/20 points (91), Decanter: "Mid-deep amber/tawny hue. Not very expressive on the nose but full, smooth and suave with wonderfully silky texture and a touch of cinnamon on the finish. All the fabulous richness of a well-made pastel de nata (Portugese custard tart). (Jan 2013)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$60 list] Offers caramel notes on the nose, with good cut to the ripe cherry and fruitcake flavors. Toffee and caramel accent the fresh finish, with notes of milk chocolate. Drink now. (12/15/10)"
'Bronze Medal,' Decanter: "(20% alcohol) Cleverly integrated, so the fruit is still unctuous without drying out. Excellent flavour. (Oct 2010)"
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$39.95
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RP 88
Portugal
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Port
In stock, 12+ available
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List $80.00
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Robert Parker: "[$80 list] The 2000 Passadouro possesses plenty of fruit, but it is more muted, with less spice and personality than the Broadbent. It exhibits a similar dense ruby/purple color, medium to full body, a soft, evolved character, but less aromatic and flavor dimensions. Drink it over the next 15 years."
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$44.95
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Portugal
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Port
In stock,
6
available
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List $70.00
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Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] Loads of berry, earth and meat character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, light sweetness and a medium finish. Slightly nutty aftertaste. Best after 2008. 780 cases made. (4/30/06)"
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$49.95
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WE 93
IWC 92
Portugal
-
Madeira
In stock,
7
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Slightly richer than the Charleston Sercial, the Boston Bual boasts knockout aromas of toasted nut oil, orange peel and hints of dark honey or maple syrup. Despite the extra weight and sweetness, it’s not cloying at all...the finish is mouthwatering and long. Editors' Choice. (Nov 2006)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Light, bright amber. Deep aromas of cherry pit, candied orange, toffee and molasses, lifted by a note of dried rose. Chewy in texture, with dry-edged nut and burnt orange flavors, a touch of molasses sugar and good back-end grip. Quite sweet but the wine's acidity adds focus, nerve and finishing bite. (Jun 2011)"
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$49.95
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WE 93
IWC 92
Portugal
-
Madeira
In stock,
3
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "The Historic Series are simply great Madeiras at reasonable prices. The Charleston Sercial is the driest of the collection, offering nutty aromas tinged with honey, caramel and maple syrup. Dried figs, honey and candied citrus flavors mark the palate, which is wonderfully smooth. The long finish features racy yet balanced acidity. Editors' Choice."
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Medium amber. Gingerbread, orange zest, clove, blond tobacco and honey on the nose. Spicy citrus and poached pear flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and show a gentle smoky quality on the back end. Blends sweetness and dryness smoothly, finishing with good nervy cut, a jolt of fleur de sel and lingering smoke, citrus and spice notes. (Jun 2011)"
San Francisco Chronicle: "Importer Mannie Berk reached out to Ricardo Freitas, owner of the house of Barbeito, to produce his Historic Series line, which remains the best value in Madeira. This is the driest in the Historic lineup, made from the Sercial grape, and its slight austerity makes it remarkably versatile. Leathery and wound-up, with a salty mineral power -- think of it with a holiday roast. (12/19/10)"
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$49.95
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WE 93
IWC 92
Portugal
-
Madeira
In stock,
7
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "The sweetest and richest in the Historic series, the New York Malmsey unfolds slowly in the glass, gradually revealing layers of depth and flavor. Coffee, toffee and date notes emerge, followed by earthy, almost truffley flavors. Powerful and assertive on the long finish. Editors' Choice."
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Medium amber. Powerfully scented bouquet combines cherry compote, cola, molasses, pipe tobacco and brown sugar. Lush and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet pit fruit and orange marmalade flavors and a deeper note of espresso. Clings tenaciously on the finish, which leaves notes of bitter cherry and candied flowers behind. (Jun 2011)"
San Francisco Chronicle: "The New York Malmsey (a.k.a. Malvasia) is the sweetest in the Historic Series lineup. Despite notes of roasted pineapple and agave nectar, it's packed with savory tones -- winter melon and sea salt, with a raging acidity that balances the sweet profile, making it thoroughly versatile. Almost steely at its core. (12/19/10)"
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$49.95
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IWC 93
Portugal
-
Madeira
In stock,
9
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Medium amber with a green rim. Aromas of burnt orange, tobacco, toffee and herbs, with a hint of potpourri adding an exotic component. Broader and deeper than the Charleston, offering sappy orange marmalade, chestnut honey and toffee flavors underscored by tangy acidity. Shows a sweet, nutty quality on the smoky, gently spicy finish. I like this wine's heft and thrust. (Jun 2011)"
Producer notes: "In the 18th and 19th centuries, Madeira was the United States' most prestigious wine, shipped to connoisseurs in major seaports from New Orleans to Boston. The Historic Madeira Series is the creation of The Rare Wine Co., America's leading merchant of rare, old Madeiras, working with Vinhos Barbeito, famed for its library of old wines. Each wine in the series represetns a style of Madeira popular in an early American city.
Savannah was one of the great 'Madeira Cities,' and the wines that entered its port depended heavily on Verdelho for their character. They were dry to semi-dry, with round, nutty flavors and refreshing acidity. Savanna Verdelho celebrates this style and is an excellent aperitif and superb with soups, cheeses and other foods."
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$27.95
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Portugal
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Port
In stock,
2
available
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Deep ruby color. This unfiltered and bottle aged LBV is packed with vibrant aromas of rich plumy fruit and spices, together with notes of dark bitter chocolate. On the palate delicious perfumed jammy blackcurrant fruit flavors that develop into subtle floral notes such as violets. Full bodied, with seductive ripe tannins and great balance, leading to a long and lingering finish.
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$44.95
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JG 93
W&S 93
WA 91
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
8
available
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List $56.00
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93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The wines at Smith-Woodhouse are obviously a priority these days for the Symington group, and the 2007 is the finest young vintage I have tasted from this fine property. The bouquet is very, very floral and compelling, as it jumps from the glass in a blend of violets, black cherries, plums, dark chocolate, very gentle black pepper notes and a nice base of soil. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and very suave, with an early silkiness that is very appealing, coupled to ripe, fine-grained tannins and superb length and grip on the complex finish. A very compelling and utterly complete vintage of Smith-Woodhouse, this is clearly the sleeper Port of the vintage of the examples that I have tasted. It should offer remarkable value. 2025-2100. (Jul/Aug 2009)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "[$56 list] A formidable vintage of Smith-Woodhouse, this wine is deep and rich with cool, spicy flavor. There's a dark berry thrust, parried by alcohol and black tannin, the fruit winning out in the end. It's juicy, with an ethereal balance and a hint of volatility that seems to add to the wine's energy. Smith usually drinks well 15 to 20 years from the vintage; this one may benefit from more time. (Dec 2009)"
91 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$56 list] The purple/black-colored 2007 Smith Woodhouse Vintage Port exhibits an alluring bouquet of mineral, pencil lead, espresso, violets, black currant, and fruitcake. Dense and structured on the palate, it has an excellent integration of alcohol, acidity, and tannin. It should be one of the longer lived wines of the vintage with 12-15+ years of aging potential and a drinking window extending through 2037. (Feb 2010)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$56 list] As often happens, this lesser brand from the Symington Family Estates stable has produced an impressive vintage. It is structured, while also attractive, lively and fresh. There is a light layer of sweetness, the fruit bold and black, finishing with a fine, juicy aftertaste. Editors' Choice. (12/14/09)"
4 stars, 'Highly Recommended,' Decanter: "A blend from Quinta da Madalena in Rio Torto and Quinta do Vale Coelho (ex-Cockburn). Opulent and full of cinnamon with a touch of tar. Big, rich, impressive. Firm, focused finish. Superb value. Drink from 2024. (Aug 2009)"
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$26.95
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RP 93
WE 91
WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
7
available
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List $35.00
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93 points Robert Parker: "It is my opinion that Taylor's tawny ports are the best of their type. When tasted against other tawnys, they all exhibit more aromatic personalities, greater fruit and ripeness, and a wonderful sweetness and length. The Ten Year Old Tawny is a personal favorite, as well as the best bargain among these ports."
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a great, fresh, young style of wine, with figs and bitter marmalade flavors. There’s a touch of orange peel, a hint of vanilla and very ripe, delicious fruit. (Aug 2006)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] Snappy, with plenty of ginger and glazed citrus notes to the dried cherry, plum and raspberry flavors. Features loads of chocolate and spice on the long, lush finish, with hints of white pepper. Drink now. (6/30/12)"
90 points Wine & Spirits: "Porto 10-Year-Old Tawny Soft and glistening with a light rosewater perfume, this delicate Tawny balances sweet cherry and wood flavors with plenty of acidity so the wine finishes clean. (Dec 2008)"
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$44.95
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WS 92
RP 92
JG 91
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
6
available
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92 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Very rich and elegant, this is loaded with flavors of dried apricot, butterscotch and white chocolate. The long and zesty finish is filed with smoke and toffee. (6/30/12)"
92 points Robert Parker: "It is my opinion that Taylor's tawny ports are the best of their type. When tasted against other tawnys, they all exhibit more aromatic personalities, greater fruit and ripeness, and a wonderful sweetness and length. Although I find the Thirty Year Old Tawny admirable, I prefer the richer, more vibrant Twenty Year Old Tawny."
91 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Taylor Fladgate’s Twenty Year-Old Tawny had always been my baseline for this age of tawny, and the current release is once again a lovely bottle. The bouquet offers up a more soil-driven and coffee-like mélange than the Fonseca above, as it wafts from the glass in a very refined blend of raisin, spice, a bit of candle wax, fennel seed, and a very complex swath of soil. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and very refined as well, but cut in a more powerful and broader style than the Fonseca Twenty, with a rock solid core of fruit, fine acids, and excellent length and grip on the long, classy finish. This is a very high class bottle of tawny, but it does not share quite the same ethereal focus of the above. 2006-2016+. (Jan/Feb 2007)"
17/20 points (90), Decanter: "Mid-deep brick red to amber/tawny colour. Rich candied orange peel aromas. The palate is similarly rich and full: sweet, spicy marmalade flavours with a just dusting of peppery tannin towards the finish. Alcohol 20%. (Jan 2013)"
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$48.95
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WE 96
WA 95
WS 94
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
6
available
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96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Fladgate's vintage Ports are always among the legendary wines. This hugely structured wine keeps the dense, perfumed tradition very much alive. Along with the power, it also has wonderful fruit, bursting out with blackberry jam. Even with all the fruitiness, it needs to age for decades. Cellar Selection. abv: 20.5%. (Apr 2012)"
95 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Going back and forth, the Taylor’s 2009 has a lighter nose than the 2007 with precise dark cherry, Seville orange, fresh fig and a hint of scorched soil. The palate is full-bodied packed with ripe black cherries, fresh fig and white pepper; very harmonious and focused although I feel that the 2007 has a little more depth and persistency. Very pretty and very pure, this Taylor’s may well put on weight with a couple of years in bottle and merit a higher mark. (May 2011)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Intensely fruity and dripping with luscious dark cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavors, leading to touches of sandalwood. Medium-grained tannins carry through to the lush, spice- and chocolate-filled finish. This shows fine grip and balance, with a very modern feel. Best from 2020 through 2045... (4/30/12)"
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$36.95
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WS 91
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
4
available
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List $45.00
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91 points Wine Spectator: "[$45/500ml] Fresh, with plenty of vibrant acidity behind the cocoa, vanilla and dried apricot flavors. Spicy and creamy notes linger on the long, broad finish. Drink now. (10/27/10)"
Producer notes: "An outstanding wine that epitomizes everything that is great about a superbly balanced Twenty Year Old Tawny; the translucent copper colored tone of the wine is matched by the beautiful soft nutty aromas gained by a full twenty years ageing in seasoned oak casks. Otima 20 Years is rich and delicate, but never cloying; the tannins and acidity ensure balance and perfect length."
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$47.95
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TP 93
WS 90
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
2
available
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93 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "Vibrant tawny color; nose of spice, orange peel, rancio and toasted oak; creamy, toasty and showing rancio and lovely burnt orange; silky, long and complex. (Jun 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "Medium-bodied, rich and balanced, with a light amber color and plenty of peppery notes to the dried fruit flavors. Features notes of crème brûlée on the finish. Drink now. (10/27/10)"
17/20 points (90), Decanter: "Quite pale mahogany-tinged tawny colour. Mature aromas with savoury, nutty complexity. Demure and delicate thick-cut marmalade flavours leading to a relatively dry savoury finish. Alcohol 20%. (Jan 2013)"
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$39.95
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WE 91
Portugal
-
Port
In stock,
2
available
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List $60.00
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91 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$60 list] In this 20-year-old tawny, you find a marvellous balance between fruit and extreme concentration. Burnt wood-aged flavors and acidity play with raisins and black figs to give a sweet wine with a hint of dryness. Ready to drink. abv: 20.5%. (Apr 2012)"
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