Taylor’s Fine Ruby Port

This is Taylor's Fine Ruby Port, a young, fruit-driven fortified wine from Taylor Fladgate, made largely from Touriga Nacional grown in the Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo of the upper Douro.

The wine is fortified with grape spirit to stop fermentation and hOld its sweetness, then aged around two years in large oak vats. That short reductive vat ageing is deliberately brief, gaining a little smoothness while preserving the deep ruby colour and the fresh, concentrated black-fruit character that a longer, oxidative cask ageing would trade away.

The result is a stylish, fruity nose of concentrated blackcurrant and cherry, joined by raspberry and a touch of plum, over a full-bodied palate of luscious black fruit with light spice and a dark-chocolate edge. Bottled ready to drink, it needs no decanting or further ageing. It is built for the classic Port-and-cheese pairing, particularly blue and richly flavoured soft cheeses, and works equally with dark chocolate, berry desserts, or a plate of charcuterie.