The Fladgate Partnership, comprising Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft Port, is proud to announce that two of its flagship houses, Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca, have released their 2008 Late Bottled Vintage Ports (LBVs).
The LBV category was pioneered in 1970 by Alistair Robertson, now Chairman of Taylor Fladgate, to meet consumer demand for a vintage-style Port that could be consumed without the wait; this is especially relevant for the U.S. market, in which about 80% of wines purchased are consumed within 24 hours, rather than “aged” for even one day. While LBVs are by design ready to drink upon release, the Fonseca LBV 2008 is one of the few unfiltered LBVs on the market, thus allowing even richer flavors to develop in the bottle. Decanting before serving is recommended.
Both Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca use estate-grown fruit, as well as select premium fruit from the best vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior.
The 2008 growing season was marked by a cold and dry winter, a mild summer, and dry weather for harvest, which began September 22nd–28th on both the Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca properties. Hot days and cold nights created ideal conditions for final ripening; sugar levels increased as the harvest progressed and the grapes remained healthy. LBVs age in large wooden vats, and are bottled after an average of five years.
- Taylor Fladgate 2008 Late Bottled Vintage Port: Classic Taylor Fladgate elegance, balance and finesse, with a deep ruby color and complex nose of blackcurrant, strawberry, and plum aromas. Smooth, velvety texture and intense flavors persist into the long finish. SRP: $25.00
- Fonseca 2008 Late Bottled Vintage Unfiltered Port: Dense, dark chocolate and black fruit aromas, with a licorice note; big and structured layers of bitter chocolate and blackberry flavors with a wonderfully palpable, “chewy” mouthfeel and long finish. SRP: $24.00
Both wines are imported by Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY, and available nationally in limited quantities. For more information on the Ports, please visit Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca.
About Kobrand Corporation
Kobrand Corporation was founded in 1944 and to this day remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies. Kobrand’s portfolio of wine and spirits was meticulously selected according to a single, unerring principle: quality. This continued focus has made the Kobrand name synonymous with wines and spirits of the highest caliber for 70 years. Kobrand is the exclusive agent for an outstanding selection of fine wines and spirits including Maison Louis Jadot Burgundies, Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Cakebread Cellars, Sequoia Grove, St. Francis, Benziger Family Winery, Sassicaia, Capo saldo, Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft Ports, Alizé Passion Liqueurs and Alizé Coco, Vikingfjord Vodka and Delamain Grande Champagne Cognacs, among other fine wines and spirits.
