Wines Port Taylor Fladgate - 10 Year Old Tawny Porto - 2007

Viniou Reviews

Taylor Fladgate’s 10 Year Old Tawny Porto is an exceptional example of a classic aged tawny port from Portugal. Crafted from a meticulous blend of traditional Douro Valley grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, this cuvée is aged in oak casks for an average of ten years, resulting in a wine with remarkable complexity and a signature ruby-garnet color that shows a hint of amber at the edges. The 2007 bottling benefits from a particularly favorable vintage, imparting extra depth and elegance. Upon pouring, aromas of dried fruit, roasted nuts, caramel, and a delicate interplay of spices reveal themselves, while the palate is silky, combining flavors of figs, toasted almonds, honey, and subtle oak with an enduring finish that is both smooth and fresh.

The Douro region, home to this Porto DOC, is renowned for its steep terraced vineyards carved into schist and granite hillsides. With a dramatic continental climate—hot, dry summers and cold winters—these conditions, in tandem with the unique soil composition, create ideal circumstances for the slow ripening and full flavor development of the classic Portuguese varietals used in port production. The history of the Douro Valley is interwoven with centuries of winemaking tradition, and Taylor Fladgate, established in 1692, stands as one of its most prestigious and experienced port houses.

For food pairings, this 10 Year Old Tawny Porto is remarkably versatile. It excels alongside classic Portuguese desserts such as pastel de nata or leite creme, but is also a fine partner for pecan pie, crème brûlée, or roasted figs with honey. Cheese lovers will appreciate it with aged cheeses—especially nutty, hard varieties like Manchego or a good aged cheddar. For a more savory option, try it with foie gras or duck breast with orange glaze, which will complement the wine’s sweetness and nutty complexity.

To fully appreciate this tawny port, serve it slightly chilled, ideally between 12-14°C. Open the bottle a short while before enjoying to allow the aromas and flavors to unfold. A fine choice for both contemplative sipping and as a sophisticated companion to dessert or cheese.