Taylor's, Vintage Port, 2024

Taylor’s is always a powerhouse Port, and this is hardly surprising when Quinta de Vargellas sits at its core. This old vineyard’s yields are low these days at roughly 600g per vine and 2024 is the lowest yielding vintage in Taylor’s history, with an output of just 5000 cases in total, surpassing the stupendously good but also tiny 1992, of which just 6000 cases were produced. For context, a typical Taylor’s declaration equates to between 11,000 and 14,000 cases. Taylor’s 2024 is dark and brooding on the nose, certainly tightly wound at this stage. However, with air, blueberries, brambles and currants came to the fore. There is a savoury note on the mid palate with sous bois, woodland berries, herbs and salty mineral freshness. The regal finish is infused with nutmeg, liquorice, schist and lavender. This is precise, filigreed, lithe and complex and has much to give, though it is absolutely a joy to taste now.