Taylors Historic Collection III 'The Mallet' Reserve Tawny Port (75cl)

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This is the III (third) edition in the Taylor's Historic Collection and is called 'The Mallet'. The Taylor’s Historical series is a collection of specially blended cask-aged Ports presented in exclusive bespoke bottles inspired by historic bottle moulds. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the shape of the wine bottle was in continuous development. They gradually evolved from the squat globular form of early glass vessels, into the tall cylindrical shape of today’s bottles. The Historical collection Limited Edition series represents different stages in this evolution. The most recent addition to the series is a bottle moulded in the distinctive ‘mallet’ shape which had become well established in England by the 1730s. It represents the transition from the early ‘onion’ bottle to the straight sided ‘cylinder’ shape, similar to that of modern bottles, which emerged from around 1750. Deep reddish-brown hue at the centre with a narrow brick coloured rim. The mature, opulent nose opens with a warm redolence of coffee, butterscotch and dried fruit, with notes of plum and raisin. Around this rich, mellow core are layers of spicy, woody and nutty aroma, as well as discreet floral scents, giving the wine an intricate, subtle and seductive complexity. On the palate it is round and dense, with a smooth silky texture. This combines with luscious toffee and preserved fruit flavours which continue into the long, warming finish. This wine is an impressive showcase of the traditional skills of cask ageing and blending, with each component beautifully integrated and bringing an extra dimension of aroma and flavour.