Fonseca Vintage Port Tasting
Vintage Port accounts for only 2 percent of port production from the Douro region in Portugal. It is without doubt, the pinnacle of Portuguese winemaking and is produced only in years of exceptional quality (normally about three times per decade. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Vintage Port Shop, Fonseca wine tasting event in August 2011 during which we were invited to sample vintages from declared years stretching back to 1963, one of the legendary vintages. Here are my notes from the occasion.
1963 Fonseca Vintage Port: For many this was the topping of a wonderful evening – good friends, great food and even greater wine. For the majority this was the wine of the night (for me the 1992 was preferable). I was surprised to see how deep the colour remained after nearly fifty years, still very dark ruby in the glass. The 1963 offered a nose of cherries, dark berries, caramel and coffee (and perhaps a little chocolate). These were replicated in the mouths together with a wash of alcohol. A magnificent finish that seemed to last for ages.
1985 Fonseca Vintage Port: The 1985 vintage produced some of the outstanding port of the 80′s and have greater longevity than the 1980 0r the 1983 Vintages. The Fonseca Vintage Port is one of the best in the field and is still showing a deep ruby colour. Lots of fig, and rich, dark fruit aromas of prune and black plum, with a few floral notes. On the palate, the port had flavours of cherry and blackberry. Beautiful long finish.
1992 Fonseca Vintage Port: Some beautiful ports were produced in small quantities in this year. Probably my favorite on the night, as one of my friends said the 1992… ‘is just heaven in a glass’. The colour is still ruby red with garnet on the rim. It has an explosive nose of jammy black fruits, licorice, chocolate, and spices. Extremely full-bodied and beautifully textured and layered on the palate. A lovely finish finish that lasts and lasts.
2007 Fonseca Vintage Port: The 2007 vintage produced wonderful ports that will last for decades to come. The 2007 Fonseca Vintage Port is still very young as evidenced by the dense purple-colour. On the nose there was a wonderful perfume of lavender, spices, incense, and black fruits. On the palate it was outstanding, having succulent fruit, and well integrated tannin, acidity, and alcohol. There was a beautiful long finish and the wine has perfect balance.