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Community Tasting Notes 272
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alanr wrote: 94 points
March 25, 2024 - Quite dark, though no longer completely opaque, color is slightly muddy garnet, still quite youthful in appearance at almost 40 years old. Wonderful nose, fragrant, anise, tar, some maple wood shavings; this has barely budged on the palate in the 30 years I’ve been following it, with sweet, anise laden fruit, the tannins are probably what has changed most, softening considerably, but still present, with almost ideal structure at this point. Quite rich, sweeter than I remember, but plenty of acidity for balance. Some nice subtle complexity, and will probably develop further as it airs over the next few days. Remains one of my favorite vintage Ports, and has decades of life ahead of it still, though very drinkable now if you like some youthfulness.
Added: been drinking this for 4 nights now, keeping it fridged. Hasn’t really budged, pretty much the same as night one. Really pretty amazing a 40 year old wine can drink so well for many days after opening.3 people found this helpful Comment -
cliffkol wrote: 94 points
March 4, 2024 - great depth, delicious. decanted 10 hours, even better next day. could use overnight decant.
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vinolovers wrote: 97 points
March 3, 2024 - Decanted about 3 hours. Initially had a musty prune nose that disappeared by the time of service. A nice dark ruby color. Lots of red fruit, some dried herbs, a hint of chocolate and leather. Wonderful.
2 people found this helpful Comment -
Jth3 wrote:
February 8, 2024 - VG to Outstanding
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SixHedgehogs Likes this wine: 94 points
January 13, 2024 - Dinner 13th Jan 2024 (Catford): Surprisingly youthful. Bright purple red colour. Lovely spirity fruity aroma, touch of pine. Fine blackcurrant and blackberry flavours, hints of eucalyptus and ginger. Opens up over an hour with brighter red fruit and a touch of fig/christmas cake. Delicious.
3 people found this helpful Comment
1 - 5 of 272
More notes
Pro Reviews 29
Add a Pro ReviewJancisRobinson.com
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By Tom Parker MW
3/31/2022 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Tim Jackson MW
9/9/2020 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Richard Hemming, MW
5/9/2018 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Jancis Robinson, MW
3/9/2017 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #90, 11/11/2016(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
JancisRobinson.com
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By Richard Hemming, MW
4/20/2016 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Jancis Robinson, MW
12/4/2015 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Richard Hemming, MW
5/6/2015 (link)(Fonseca Port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
Decanter
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By Richard Mayson
Top 20 Ports for Christmas, 10/12/2014 (link)(Fonseca, Port, Douro, Portugal, Red) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #74, 1/13/2013(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
JancisRobinson.com
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By Jancis Robinson, MW
10/4/2012 (link)(Fonseca, Guimaraens port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #69, 3/31/2012(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #63, 10/29/2011(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #62, 4/1/2011(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Roy Hersh
Issue #58, 1/29/2011(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
JancisRobinson.com
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By Richard Hemming, MW
7/22/2010 (link)(Fonseca port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
Winedoctor
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By Chris Kissack
March 2009 (link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
July 2008, Issue #34(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Roy Hersh
May 2007, Issue #24 (link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
Winedoctor
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By Chris Kissack
November 2006 (link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
JancisRobinson.com
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By Jancis Robinson, MW
10/13/2004 (link)(Fonseca port Red) Subscribe to see review text.
For The Love of Port
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By Roy Hersh
(link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
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By Roy Hersh
(link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
Winedoctor
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By Chris Kissack
October 2000 (link)(Fonseca Vintage Port) Subscribe to see review text.
Decanter
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By Richard Mayson
(link)(Fonseca, Port, Douro, Portugal, Red) Subscribe to see review text.
RJonWine.com
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By Richard Jennings
5/4/2013 (link) 94 points(Fonseca Porto Vintage) Bricking very dark red violet color; baked berry, VA, baked black fruit nose; rich, tasty, baked berry, blackberry, black cherry palate, maturing nicely; long finish
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By Richard Jennings
4/3/2010 (link) 94 points(Fonseca Porto Vintage) Very dark red violet color; primary, berry, chocolate, fig nose; rich, youthful, berry, black fruit, chocolate, fig palate; long finish
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By Richard Jennings
7/21/2007 (link) 94 points(Fonseca Porto Vintage) Sweet cherry, vanilla and plum nose; young, rich, cherry, vanilla palate; long finish
Wine Definition
- Vintage 1985
- Type Red - Fortified
- Producer Fonseca
- Varietal Port Blend
- Designation Vintage
- Vineyard n/a
- Country Portugal
- Region Douro
- SubRegion n/a
- Appellation Porto
- UPC Codes 084692304349, 084692304356, 084692631278, 5013521100611, 5013521102929, 5013521111884, 5013521635274, 9013521100611
Community Holdings
- Pending Delivery 59 (1%)
- In Cellars 5,036 (71%)
- Consumed 2,036 (29%)
Food Pairing
Community Recommendations
Stilton, Usual port cheeses., WalnutsWho Likes This Wine
99% Like It 88 votes
More About This Wine
Articles
- ProducerFonseca
- VarietyPort Blend
- CountryPortugal
- RegionDouro
- AppellationPorto
Add Articles
- Wine1985 Fonseca Porto Vintage (add)
- FamilyFonseca Porto Vintage (add)
- ProducerFonseca
- VarietalPort Blend
- DesignationVintage (add)
- CountryPortugal
- RegionDouro
- AppellationPorto