Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port

The scent is almost radiant: red currant, caramel toffee, orange peel, some wax, malt, chocolate truffles. Very firm on the palate, a tight, almost dry-looking structure, yet also sweet and fruity, not exuberantly creamy, but pointed in its nerve and substance, immensely tactile and mineral.

Singed cinnamon, dried cherry and persimmon notes form the core in this suave offering, which streams through a finish marked with bergamot, hazelnut and sandalwood. Leans toward flattering with its sweetness, while a bitter orange hint whispers on the finish to lend contrast and spine.