Taylor's Very Old Single Harvest Tawny Port 1971

Light to mid browny tawny colour. Doesn't have the same bitter-sweet notes of the two Dalva ports just tasted (1950 and 1934), more savoury and subdued at first. In fact it is almost more like a madeira on the nose, with definite notes of old, polished wood and walnuts but also some burnt toffee. There's also something very slightly spicy, with mocha and piercing orange-pith freshness on the palate. Impressive freshness to balance and undermine the sweetness. Very long and unexpectedly mouth-watering on the finish. (JH). 17.5 out of 20

Score: 17+

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2021-2035 05 February 2022