Having a sip of mellow aged Tawny Port is a wonderful way to end a meal or to start your evening as you sit in front of your fireplace. I received a very special bottle of Taylor Fladgate Historical Collection IV Limited Edition The Globe Reserve Tawny Port to try for you. I brought out one of my port glasses and turned on the fireplace so I could really enjoy this fortified wine.
The Taylor Fladgate Historical series is a collection of specially blended cask-aged Ports presented in exclusive bespoke bottles inspired by historic bottle moulds. The bottle was inspired by the ‘shaft and globe’ shape of early English wine bottles. These spherical bottles were prevalent in the mid-17th century and were mouth-blown rather than made in moulds. The bottle shape is quite striking. I had not yet seen a bottle in this shape.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Taylor Fladgate Historical Collection IV Limited Edition The Globe Reserve Tawny Port (BC $65.99)
Appearance: A deep, clear mahogany colour, with light teardrops on the sides of the glass with swirling.
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of dried fruits, plums, caramel, some sweet spice and oak, and a hint of candied cherries with swirling.
Palate: This wine has a light sweetness, not cloying, with a medium body and a smooth, soft, light mouthfeel. Soft tannins and medium acidity. Dried fruits, raisins, plums, caramel, and touches of fig, cherries and subtle sweet spices. Light pepperiness as well.
Finish: A medium-plus to long length, finishing with dried fruits, caramel and light pepperiness. Soft tannins on the finish. Light mouthfeel to the finish.
A classy tawny port. Smooth and soft flavours. Not too sweet. Just right. Everything in harmony. Perfect for sitting by the fireplace and reading a good book. If you need something to nibble along with this sip, try blue cheese or dark chocolates.
Although this is not a wine for decanting, I tasted it the following day to see if there were any changes or aromas or flavours that I may have missed. From this later tasting, I did pick up some nuttiness on the palate and maybe the tawny port felt a little more peppery on the finish.
Rating: 
Tawny ports have already been aged, so they can last quite long once opened. The suggestion is to drink a tawny port within two months of opening it, but if you keep it in a chilled environment, it can probably last much longer.
Where Can I Buy This Wine?
You can purchase this Taylor Fladgate tawny port at BC Liquor stores.
