98 points Falstaff: "A stunningly complex bouquet, the finest tertiary aromas, patisserie, candied citrus, mahogany, molasses, a hint of rose. In the beginning soft and supple, creamy and plump, but also subtle, all components are extremely tightly interwoven, yet the wine does not seem the least bit tired, still has stuffing, power and vigour, still seems downright youthful in the structure. Delicate sweetness and a fresh and juicy finish. (2/13/20)"
96 points/'100 Best Wines of the Year,' Wine & Spirits: "[$235 list] This wine has reached Tawny nirvana, all of its elements in harmony, its age a ghost of red fruit, its alcohol transformed into texture. It doesn’t suffer from oxidation, though it buzzes with richness, the flavors lasting on silken orange and fresh almond. Rather than the heat of Douro schist in August, it has the cool stoniness of the cellar where it evolved. Saturated with pleasure. (Dec 2016)"
96 points James Suckling: "A gentle old port that shows its age with walnuts, salted peanuts, plums, dried cherries and raisins. Slightly lifted nose. Heady. It’s full-bodied and layered with intense sweetness. But tannic austerity balances it out. Chocolate and walnuts at the end. Gorgeous, after-dinner port. Drink now. (11/14/20)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Alluring, with a warm date and gently mulled fig and peach core, while light alder, bitter almond and candied ginger notes add sparkle and texture along the edges. Frankly sweet through the finish but with the energy for balance. Drink now. 300 cases imported. (5/2/18)"
95 points Mark Squires (Wine Advocate): "The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled with a bar top cork in 2014. It comes in with 125 grams per liter of residual sugar. Big, weighty and mouth filling, this is an aromatic Tawny that finishes with acidity and tension. Gripping on the finish, its flavors become more interesting as long as it sits in the glass (or on your palate). It is not, perhaps, as sunny as the Fonseca, its sibling reviewed this issue, but it is denser and more gripping. Comparing to the Taylor 30 (also reviewed), I'm not sure I liked the 40 here all that much better. The 30 is a bit fleshier while this 40 is a bit more concentrated in flavor and aromatics. Perhaps some additional age also helped this 40 combat some of the aggression on the 30. They are both pretty fine, a difference of five to Midnight and five after, rather than night and day. It is still a fine experience and my favorite of the group. Don't drink it too warm. Room temperature is mostly too warm. The sweet spot for most tends to be 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit. Drink: 2015-2055. (Dec 2015)"
94 points Roy Hersh (For The Love of Port): "Bottled 2015. Dark and nearly impenetrable appearance. Greater depth and complexity than the Royal Oporto 40 that came before it. Toffee, espresso, cocoa and vanilla bean notes. Classic tawny, loads of glycerin and sweet sultana and peach preserve flavors. Soft and generous with a persistent finish and excellent overall balance. (7/23/16)"
96 points/'100 Best Wines of the Year,' Wine & Spirits: "[$235 list] This wine has reached Tawny nirvana, all of its elements in harmony, its age a ghost of red fruit, its alcohol transformed into texture. It doesn’t suffer from oxidation, though it buzzes with richness, the flavors lasting on silken orange and fresh almond. Rather than the heat of Douro schist in August, it has the cool stoniness of the cellar where it evolved. Saturated with pleasure. (Dec 2016)"
96 points James Suckling: "A gentle old port that shows its age with walnuts, salted peanuts, plums, dried cherries and raisins. Slightly lifted nose. Heady. It’s full-bodied and layered with intense sweetness. But tannic austerity balances it out. Chocolate and walnuts at the end. Gorgeous, after-dinner port. Drink now. (11/14/20)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Alluring, with a warm date and gently mulled fig and peach core, while light alder, bitter almond and candied ginger notes add sparkle and texture along the edges. Frankly sweet through the finish but with the energy for balance. Drink now. 300 cases imported. (5/2/18)"
95 points Mark Squires (Wine Advocate): "The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled with a bar top cork in 2014. It comes in with 125 grams per liter of residual sugar. Big, weighty and mouth filling, this is an aromatic Tawny that finishes with acidity and tension. Gripping on the finish, its flavors become more interesting as long as it sits in the glass (or on your palate). It is not, perhaps, as sunny as the Fonseca, its sibling reviewed this issue, but it is denser and more gripping. Comparing to the Taylor 30 (also reviewed), I'm not sure I liked the 40 here all that much better. The 30 is a bit fleshier while this 40 is a bit more concentrated in flavor and aromatics. Perhaps some additional age also helped this 40 combat some of the aggression on the 30. They are both pretty fine, a difference of five to Midnight and five after, rather than night and day. It is still a fine experience and my favorite of the group. Don't drink it too warm. Room temperature is mostly too warm. The sweet spot for most tends to be 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit. Drink: 2015-2055. (Dec 2015)"
94 points Roy Hersh (For The Love of Port): "Bottled 2015. Dark and nearly impenetrable appearance. Greater depth and complexity than the Royal Oporto 40 that came before it. Toffee, espresso, cocoa and vanilla bean notes. Classic tawny, loads of glycerin and sweet sultana and peach preserve flavors. Soft and generous with a persistent finish and excellent overall balance. (7/23/16)"
| Product SKU | 17368 |
| Producer | Taylor Fladgate |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Porto DOC |
| Varietal | Other Red Blends |
| Vintage | NV |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Other |
| Ships To |
