With the cold nights now upon us, there is nothing quite as satisfying and cathartic as a glass of Port in front of a roaring fireplace. Black as night, this single Quinta (farm/vineyard) Vintage Port is concentrated with masses of cassis, plum, kirsch, violets, mint and dark cocoa. It will evolve nicely over the next 15 years. Superb value!
A Colheita is a Single Vintage Tawny Port, which by law must age a minimum of 7 years in wood before being released to the marketplace. This wine really over delivers for the price, especially considering it is a full-size bottle. The brick-red colour leads to a combination of prunes, dried raspberry, dried flowers, spice and hazelnut. Smooth with a long aftertaste and well balanced.
A blend of Castelão, Syrah and Touriga Franca, this bargain red shows dark plummy fruit and a hint of spice on the nose with black plum, dark cherry, a splash of dark chocolate and drying tannins in the mouth.
Ruby purplish. Fine nose of red and black berries, soft spices and a hint of dry earth. Nice fruity taste, velvety with a good deal of freshness. Soft grip from the tannins at the back of the balanced finish.
Medium-deep garnet, with sediment. Nose of raisins and stewed plums and apricots. A little hot with alcohol at 19.5%, but otherwise well balanced. Fruit, including cherries, dates and strawberry jam, is still fresh-tasting. Very like a vintage port, only affordable. Ready to drink but will cellar well for a few more years.
20 years in wood casks has mellowed this fruit into a beautifully smooth, silken place, but still one with the characteristic breadth and subtle fiery grip of Fonseca. Heady raisin pie, dried figs, walnuts, leather and peppery cinnamon spice are pulled along an undercurrent of deep butterscotch. Great length.
Purplish. Enticing nose of strawberry/raspberry; a little candied and a touch of oak. Supple fruity taste, round mid-palate with tender yet firm tannins. Compact finish.