In keeping with tradition, Taylor Fladgate makes its declaration of Vintage Port on April 23rd, St. George’s Day, the patron saint of England. This year, Taylor Fladgate is launching Sentinels Vintage Port 2023, only the second bottling of this distinguished new Vintage, first introduced last year with the 2022 Vintage.
Following the success of the inaugural 2022 release, Taylor Fladgate Sentinels Vintage Port 2023 is another remarkable expression of the deep, complex, and fruity character that defines the Pinhão Valley’s historic vineyards. Sourced from Taylor Fladgate’s four prestigious estates – Terra Feita, Junco, Casa Nova, and Eira Velha – this new release builds upon the first, further cementing Taylor Fladgate’s dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality and complexity.
When the Douro was first demarcated in 1756, the area producing the very best Ports was known as ‘Feitoria’ and authorised for export. This subregion was marked by stone pillars, or ‘marcos de feitoria’. The four Taylor Fladgate properties included in the Sentinels blend are to be found within this historic zone.
The name ‘Sentinels’ pays tribute to these iconic granite posts, continuing the long-standing tradition of making the very finest Ports from what has long been considered the finest part of the demarcated area.
Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of Taylor Fladgate, commented:
“We are incredibly proud to introduce Taylor Fladgate Sentinels Vintage Port 2023. This release continues our tradition of producing wines that celebrate the rich heritage of the Douro Valley and our estates. Taylor Fladgate Sentinels is a celebration of our legacy, and this latest vintage reaffirms its place among our most distinguished offerings."
The blend of the 2023 vintage was carefully selected using a ‘component selection’ method, ensuring that the final wine embodies the distinctive characteristics of each estate, while harmoniously bringing together their diverse elements. Each property contributes unique qualities – from altitude to sun exposure and grape varieties – resulting in a wine that is both powerful and refined, with a deep fruitiness and a complexity that reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of Taylor Fladgate’s winemaking team.
David Guimaraens, Head Winemaker at Taylor Fladgate, remarked:
“Following the good growing season of 2023, the rainfall that occurred in early September was both welcome for the more stressed vineyards and challenging, as it limited the number of fine parcels available to us. One of the defining aspects of making Vintage Port – such as Taylor Fladgate Sentinels – is the ability to select only the best parcels from the properties to express the true character of the Pinhão Valley terroir.”
David also noted:
“As with the first vintage, Taylor Fladgate Sentinels Vintage Port 2023 has the potential to age gracefully in bottle, with a long life ahead. Yet, it is equally approachable and enjoyable in its youth, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the exceptional character of the Pinhão Valley from the very first taste.”
TASTING NOTE
Deep intense purple black core with a fine violet rim. The nose is built on a sturdy foundation of luscious, rich blackcurrant, blackberry and cherry aromas, intertwined with damsons and apricot. Notes of gum cistus and mint dance on the nose giving vibrancy and freshness.
Extraordinary quality of ripe fruit, mouth-filling tannins and sumptuous blackberry with a whisp of dark chocolate. A pleasant touch of cedar, a hint of licorice and a silky long finish. This wine displays the hedonistic, generous quality of Taylor Fladgate’s Pinhão Valley estates.