Taylor’s Historical Collection is a series of limited editions that pay homage to the changing shape of Port bottles since the early 18th Century. The first release was a charmingly dumpy bottle lovingly named “The Onion”, the second was a flatter flagon and a bestseller at Harvey Nichols called “The Chestnut”, and the latest is “The Mallet”. This striking shape had become well established in the UK by the 1730s and shows the progression from the globular bottle (that didn’t allow cellar ageing) towards the more modern cylindrical style we’re familiar with today.

This is an exceptional Tawny Port that is ready to drink and requires no decanting. A blend of carefully curated Ports from Taylor’s extensive Tawny stocks stored at Vila Nova de Gaia, all of which have been matured for long periods in wooden barrels imparting deep, nutty flavours. The result is very Christmassy, displaying plum, fig, sultana, raisin and marzipan notes, alongside leather, coffee, butterscotch, cigar box, and woody spices. We recommend serving at around 12-16°C with a cheeseboard, dark chocolate-based desserts, or festive fare such as Christmas cake, figgy pudding, stollen and mince pies.

Taylor’s hold the Royal Warrant as one of the Suppliers of Port Wine to Her Majesty The Queen. Although steeped in history as you would expect of a family-run business established in 1692, the forward-thinkers at Taylor’s are also committed to sustainable viticulture and have installed solar panels on three of their properties.

Each wine (Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez) is matured, separately in its own solera for 12 years. Once blended together, the resulting sherry is returned to a 45-cask solera for a further 3 years ageing. Dark mahogany in colour with green-amber edge. It offers vibrant notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, shoe polish, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, all very well integrated. On the palate it is smooth and rich at the beginning, full of prune and burned oranges peel flavours. Provocative spicy notes appear just before its nuttiness and terrific acidity cuts through the sweetness. With a truly unforgettable finish. 50 cl