This is currently retailing in Surrey BC Canada for about $26 a bottle. Having recently tasted the 2005 Cockburn's LBV which is only a dollar less, and given this producer's reputation, it seems like too good a potential thing to pass by. The Taylor actually showed very well right from the get go. It is deep red, almost opaque, and has distinct flavour and aroma of chocolate covered maraschino cherry - although the chocolate flavour hits later. Initially in the glass there was a touch of alcohol on the bouquet and in the taste - similar to kirsch - but after 10 minutes in the glass this was almost gone. My wife observed that it felt like a lighter style of the 2005 Fonseca Guimaraens VP. I concur. The aftertaste is surprisingly rich and long.
The Cockburn's LBV is in my view, in spite of a very poor showing in its first day, a pretty good wine. The Taylor is IMHO better and from a quality to price ratio is very attractive. I could get used to serving this regularly - as Taylor claims it does to its visitors, according to its website - while sitting on the 2003 VP for awhile. Drink up!
As a bonus, Taylor adds a 50cl of its 10 Year Old Tawny around the neck. Icing on the cake?
Grade: B+ (may go up)
Value: A