Opened last weekend as the lingering chill of winter hung in the air, I could not think of a better time to open 1970 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port. This bottle has been in my cellar since 1993 when there was a dumping of Vintage Port from the UK, and it was well worth $50.

The wine was decanted for 3 hours to good effect, as some of the spirit evaporated and the wine really opened up. The nose was lush with the classic Taylor violet aroma along with dark boysenberry and anise. With time a lovely sage note appeared on the nose, and I also noted some sage in a Ramos Pinto vertical several years ago, but only on those bottles that were from the 1930's. There was even the suggestion of freshly cut pinewood that reminded me of high school woodshop. All in all this was a very complex and alluring bouquet.

The most amazing part of tasting the wine was the smooth and elegant texture that glided across my tongue oh so smoothly, without being heavy. The wine was actually elegant and very refined, with smooth unobtrusive tannins, and many more years of life left. The long finish helped to keep the chill away.

96 Points, and so far my Wine Of The Year.

It sounds like this one is going to be hard to top. Nice note.

Nice note. The '70 Dow was my wine of 2005.

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high school woodshop

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I can't remember back that far. Is it similar to walking through the lumber department at a Home Depot?

Great note!

Winetex-This will probably reign as my dessert WOTY, but my birthday wine in June should take the overall crown.

David-Imagine a friction creating sawblade burning a bit of the pine resin as the sawdust perneates the air, and you will have the sensation I experienced.

Great note... those '70 vintage ports are just getting into their drinking phase. :-) I'm a big fan.. always want to drink something older than me on my birthday... I've chosen '70 VPs

Sadly this is my last 1970. Graham is also excellent if there is any to be found reasonably priced.

My next oldest vintage is 1977 comprised of Taylor and Fonseca, and while they have all the ingredients to be monumental aged Ports, they are at least a decade away from being truly special.

1980 can be a good vintage that is drinking well now. The Graham 1980 was bettter than 1983 when tasted side by side a couple of years ago. I will probably be dipping into 1983 Cockburn and Dow next winter or perhaps a Graham 1985.

Had several 1970s. The Taylor was fabulous on one tasting but corked on the other

Fonseca was superb on both tastings and would always be the one to go for. I've turned into a bit of a Fonseca nut in the last year.

1980 is drinking well now because it is an early drinking year. Many houses did not declare for 1980 but the big ones did, they are good but not exceptional. Prices reflect this so you can get hold of them cheaply and drink them now - errrmmmm... bit of a bargain really. Don't expect too much though.

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Fonseca was superb on both tastings and would always be the one to go for. I've turned into a bit of a Fonseca nut in the last year.

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With the obvious exception of QdN Nacional (which I don't think I'll ever be able to afford and have only been able to consume at the generosity of others) Fonseca is also my Port of choice. It seems to be the most complex and, typically, driest of the major houses.

But don't get me wrong, I love Taylor (and QdN and Grahms and a few others) too.

1966 and 1977 Fonseca are both stunning. I have not dipped into my 1992 and 1994's yet.

Just picked up a bottle of 1970 Fonseca on eBay for $85!!!

My first wine purchase on eBay, but the description and the picture of the bottle both seem pretty good. At that price, I figured it was worth taking a shot...

If the bottle is in top condition you will be delighted with Fonseca. Great price.