Fonseca Vintage 1997

Notes - The backbone of Fonseca vintage ports are the wines drawn primarily from Fonseca’s three quintas, all located in the Cima Corgo: Quinta de Santo António, Quinta do Cruzeiro, and Quinta do Panascal. All three properties are A-rated, and were purchased by the firm in the 1970s; the former two had been under contract to Fonseca Guimaraens in the early 1900s. The finest grapes from these quintas are blended with wines from other quintas long under contract to Fonseca to produce its classic vintage ports. The grapes are still trodden by foot in the stone ‘lagares’ of Cruzeiro and Panascal. Fonseca vintage ports are renowned for their great richness, and, while powerful and mouthfilling, for their exquisite structure and femininity. In the context of each vintage, they combine the tannic dimension and ‘grip’ which give great port its longevity, with the breeding, complexity and perfect balance that are Fonseca’s hallmarks.. "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." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #126. Rating: 93.
 
     

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