Taylors Historical Collection Limited Edition Glode  £38.58

Historical Collection Limited Edition Glode

For many Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Family managed since its foundation in 1692, it has remained entirely dedicated to quality Port production throughout its history. Taylor’s owns three great vineyards in the Douro, Quinta de Vargellas, Quinta de Terra Feita and Quinta do Junco. All are categorised grade A – the highest possible rating. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style.

Taylor’s Port unveils The Globe, the latest addition to the highly sought after Taylor’s Historical Limited Editions. The Globe draws inspiration from the distinctive 'shaft and globe' design that was prevalent in mid-17th century English wine bottles. This design, emblematic of an era when bottles were crafted through mouth-blowing techniques, harks back to a time when English bottle-making transitioned from wood-burning to coal-fueled furnaces. These spherical vessels, with their thicker walls, were ideal for storage and serving, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of the period.

As the precursor to the iconic ‘onion’ bottle, which would later become synonymous with Taylor’s in 1692, The Globe pays tribute to this pivotal development in the history of Port production. The unique presentation of The Globe reflects its historical significance. The bottle is adorned with an engraved ‘4XX’ symbol, a reference to the company’s earliest known trademark, which dates back to its founding in 1692. This distinctive mark serves as a nod to the long-standing heritage and legacy of Taylor’s as one of the most respected names in the Port industry.

Crafted from a carefully selected blend of Port wines drawn from Taylor’s extensive tawny reserves, The Globe embodies the hallmark richness and complexity that Taylor’s is renowned for. The blend has been meticulously curated to deliver a balanced and harmonious profile, offering a distinct, robust finish that is a direct result of the company’s legendary aging process in seasoned oak casks.

Deep reddish-brown hue at the centre with a narrow brick coloured rim. The mature, opulent nose opens with a warm redolence of coffee, butterscotch and dried fruit, with notes of plum and raisin. Around this rich, mellow core are layers of spicy, woody and nutty aroma, as well as discreet floral scents, giving the wine an intricate, subtle and seductive complexity. On the palate it is round and dense, with a smooth silky texture. This combines with luscious toffee and preserved fruit flavours which continue into the long, warming finish. This wine is an impressive showcase of the traditional skills of cask ageing and blending, with each component beautifully integrated and bringing an extra dimension of aroma and flavour.

The wine benefits from being served slightly chilled, between 12oC to 16oC. The particular qualities of this wine allow it to be enjoyed over an extended period of time once opened, without losing its freshness and vibrancy. Optimum drinking time after opening the bottle is two months.

Taylor’s Historical Collecion Limited Edition Port makes a delicious dessert wine, and combines particularly well with flavours of almonds, berry fruit or dark chocolate. It can also be enjoyed as an accompaniment for rich, blue veined cheeses. It is excellent at the end of the meal, as a crowning moment of an enjoyable evening, served on its own or with a plate of walnuts or roasted almonds.