Taylor’s Scion – an update on that very special pre-phylloxera tawny port

You might remember that, in May, I reported on a tawny blending masterclass with Taylor’s Master Blender Natasha Bridge (pictured) – a great exercise it was too plus we got the scoop on a very special pre-phylloxera tawny port dating back to the 1850s, which Taylor’s had recently acquired.  Even better, we tasted it!

And the latest scoop?  It’s been bottled intact rather than blended and named Taylor’s Scion, an interesting choice of name for the product of ungrafted vines?!?!?  Anyway, here’s what yesterday’s press release says:

“Earlier this year, two pipes were discovered by Head Winemaker, David Guimaraens, which had been ageing in cask in a private cellar since the 1850s.  A third was said to have been acquired by Winston Churchill. Due to the rarity, historical interest and exceptional quality of this Port, it was decided to release this as a limited parcel rather than use if for blending.  It arrives in-store this December in a presentation gift box at £2,500 a bottle.”

For those feeling flush and/or flash, I’m told “in-store” includes Harrods and Nickolls & Perks.  You’ll find my tasting note on Scion (or at least a cask sample of Scion) here, together with a bit more background on this exciting discovery.

And while we’re on the topic of rarified fortifieds, watch out for Friday’s blog for my tasting notes on 1910 Seppeltsfield Para 100 year old Vintage Tawny Mataro/Shiraz/Grenache, Barossa Valley and 1928 Morris Rutherglen Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge, the highlights of Australia’s Landmark Tutorial on fortified wines.