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FONSECA

1997 VINTAGE PORT

Origin Portugal, Port
ABV 20.5%

There is a generosity about the nose with the richness of flavour packing out the palate. The palate has power richness of flavour with good grip. It seems a bit tight towards the back hints of red fruits with the richness rather held back by tannic firmness. 2014-40 Rating: 93 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Dec 2013)


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Somewhat of a lightweight for Fonseca, but undeniably charming, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine offers a floral, exotic, flamboyant bouquet, a sweet, fleshy style, but not a great deal of weight or massiveness. Heady alcohol, sweet tannin, and a velvety texture make for a gorgeous finish. While I would have preferred to have seen more weight, structure, and intensity, this is an outstanding, albeit lighter than normal Fonseca. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Rating: 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Oct 2013)

‘This dark wine is inarticulate at present, but its burr of creamy, berried warmth and meaty thump promises much for the future (20/25)’ Andrew JeffordAndrew Jefford (Mar 2005)

Full saturated ruby. Inky, brooding aromas of syrupy black fruits and violet. Dense, thick and tactile, with superb depth of flavor and compelling juicy sweetness. Finishes with powerful tannins and superb grip. Not as flamboyantly aromatic as this wine normally is in its youth, but structured for long, slow development in bottle. Rating: 93 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (May 2000)

Fonseca

Manuel Pedro Guimaraens bought out the Fonseca family's share of Fonseca & Monteiro in 1822, sold with the proviso that the Company would always bear the Fonseca name, and the Guimaraens family have controlled Fonseca ever since, even after absorbtion by Taylors, Fladgate & Yeatman in 1948. Not long after taking control of the Company, due to his support of the deposed King Pedro IV, Manuel was forced to flee Portugal (allegedly in an empty wine barrel) and settled in London, from where Fonseca was run until 1927 when the Guimaraens family returned to Portugal. David Guimaraens is the winemaker today, not only at Fonseca but Taylors too. In recent years especially, Fonseca and Taylors have elevated themselves clearly above their rivals for the sheer quality and prestige of their Vintage Ports.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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