The great age of this exceptional port is unmistakable even in the glass. A deep mahogany core, fading through soft amber tones to a narrow straw-yellow rim. Taylor's VVOP is the culmination of a long barrel-aged wine, to which skillful blending lends the perfect polish and balance. Countless notes and nuances intertwine harmoniously with the precision of clockwork. The nose is intense yet finely structured, with the delicate, ethereal aromas of a very, very old port. Notes of marzipan and sultanas, underpinned by caramel, dried figs, and freshly ground coffee, give the wine an opulent yet subtle plum pudding aroma, refreshed with fragrant notes of apricot and orange peel. On the palate, it's perfectly balanced, almost light, with lively acidity and enormous aromatic potential, which discharges almost endlessly in the finish in a gentle stream of delicately spicy hints of vanilla, cedarwood, and cinnamon. Port wines rarely retain this balance and finesse after such long years of barrel aging. Tasting Taylor's VVO is a precious and delicious privilege.