Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 1994

'1997 Wine of the Year'/100 points Wine Spectator: "In a word, superb. It's full-bodied, moderately sweet and incredibly tannic, but there's amazing finesse and refinement to the texture, not to mention fabulous, concentrated aromas of raspberries, violets and other flowers. Perhaps the greatest Taylor ever, it's better than either the '92 or the '70, though it's very like the '70 in structure. Best after 2010. (4/30/97)"

99 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is very much in the mold of the 1992--maybe slightly less rich but just by a whisker. It’s dense without being heavy, with a beautifully spice-filled and long finish. Flavors of chocolate, mint and plum pudding linger elegantly for a few seconds longer than the ’92. Hold. (Feb 2007)"

97 points Robert Parker: "When tasting young vintage ports, Taylor is always the most backward. Yet potentially, it has the capability to be the most majestic. This classically made, opaque purple-colored wine is crammed with black fruits (blueberries and cassis). It reveals high tannin and a reserved style, but it is enormously constituted with massive body, a formidable mid-palate, and exceptional length. It is a young, rich, powerful Taylor that will require 10-15 years of aging. Compared to the more flashy, forward style of the 1992, the 1994 has more in common with such vintages as 1977 and 1970. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2045. (Oct 1996)"

96 points (19/20), Decanter: "A landmark vintage: the 1994s are just coming round to drink and promise a long life ahead. Restrained aromas with ripe, plummy fruit just emerging. Full and sweet on the palate: well-defined plum and berry fruit backed by solid, ripe tannins with dark chocolate depth and concentration extending through the finish. Drink: 2014-2050. Alcohol 20%. (Dec 2014)"

19/20 points Richard Mayson (The World of Fine Wine): "Nothing to separate the color from the above, apart from very slight browning on the rim. Lovely, tight-knit cedarwood character, not as expressive as the Graham at this stage. Fine, focused bittersweet fruit, dark-chocolate intensity, tight knit; very powerful and impressive. Needs at least another five years before broaching. (Issue #33; 2011)"

'50 Star Buys of 2015,' Decanter: "Aromas of dried flowers, roasted fruit and peppery hints. Some oxidative notes linger on the palate with a tang of alcohol. It's angular but still showing well. Drink: 2016-2030. Alcohol 20.5%. (Jan 2016)"