Taylor's 1977

99 POINTS

Huon Hooke - The Real Review

A great vintage of a great wine. It is fully mature but still vibrant and nowhere near the end of its life. The cork was obviously impeccable as this is a perfect bottle. Wonderful licorice, aniseed and spicy fruit aromas of enormous complexity and charm. Full-bodied, intense and very, very long on the palate. The tannins have softened out superbly. A great wine.

Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com

V slight TCA on first bottle. Second bottle: Lots of spice and still some red fruit. Something a bit like hairspray. Just a little dusty on the palate. Less pure and the heat of the alcohol more evident so harsher than the Graham's. Not convinced that even this second bottle is in perfect condition. Score: 17?/20

Jancis Robinson MW

Mid ruby with a brick rim. As it should be at 25 years (unlike the Smith Woodhouse!). Quite a floral, evolved bouquet. Big hit of sweetness on the palate with a considerable charge of tannins skulking underneath, as one would hope for in a 25 year-old vintage port. Very lively and admirable. Lots and lots there but still relatively unformed. One of the few wines I was tempted to swallow rather than spit (the ultimate accolade?) but perhaps not very, very long. Score: 18.5+/20

Jancis Robinson MW

Light ruby, this wine, enjoyed after lunch on the terrace at Quinta de Vargellas, certainly looked pretty mature. Spicy, earthy nose. Jewelly, round texture indicated that the tannins had retreated well into the background. Gentle fruity core with red pepper notes and more spice on the fairly dry and notably fresh finish. I must admit that I thought it was older than a 1977. Score: 18.5/20