1977 Taylor's
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Tasting notes
Mid tawny-brick. Like the Croft, a little fusty and tired on the nose, though there is plenty of depth of flavour on the palate – enough for the fairly firm, cocoa-powder tannins. Pretty good length of dark chocolate and dried fig too. (TJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1977 Taylor's Vintage Port is initially tight and conservative on the nose: strawberry, baked cherry, tobacco and wild hedgerow notes emerging but remaining tight-lipped. This needs a good decant! The palate is endowed with depth and concentration, very well balanced with an attractive crispness. Perhaps you could argue that it is a "linear" and more "correct" Taylor's compared to the 1970 and lacks some charm. But there is immense complexity here so it is more a case of a Port demanding a very long maturation in bottle. Tasted in the Factory House in Porto for "Taylor's - The Story of a Classic Port House" book.
Light ruby, this wine, enjoyed after lunch on the terrace at Quinta de Vargellas, certainly looked pretty mature. Spicy, earthy nose. Jewelly, round texture indicated that the tannins had retreated well into the background. Gentle fruity core with red pepper notes and more spice on the fairly dry and notably fresh finish. I must admit that I thought it was older than a 1977. (JR)
V slight TCA on first bottle. Second bottle: Lots of spice and still some red fruit. Something a bit like hairspray. Just a little dusty on the palate. Less pure and the heat of the alcohol more evident so harsher than the Graham's. Not convinced that even this second bottle is in perfect condition. (JH)