Fonseca 1994 Vintage Port

Fonseca 1994 Vintage Port

Producer Tasting Note:

Dark red, ruby edge. Dense blackcurrant fruit, very fresh and elegant, incredible balance of fine fruit and the first hints of bottle maturity. A textbook year in the vineyard, with low yields and moderate temperatures throughout the season has made this incredibly dense port with a freshness of fruit in character with the 1963s and 1912s. On the palate it is very full, with lots of fine tannins which carry loads of fresh blackcurrant fruit. The youth it still holds today is the testament of how extraordinary this vintage is, and the capacity it has to continue to age for the rest of this century.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Inky and opaque with scents of violets, distinct black pepper and blueberry aromas. I couldn't drink this Port, but it was certainly fun to chew on for a while. Dark and off-dry with intense fruit, huge & hedonistic, for those that don't mind brash in-yer-face youngsters. Serious tannins arrive late and took a vice grip to my tongue but left my tonsils intact. Slight heat on the finish, but the end game here goes into double overtime. An exemplary classic, now and forever."

19/20 points, Decanter, January 2015

"Strong ruby garnet with a deep core and purple reflections. A multifaceted bouquet of delicious cherry jam alongside a subtle savouriness and tobacco notes. Substantial on the palate - hints of pickled peaches and elderberries, as well as blackberries. Highly elegant, firmly structured, yet without corners and edges, and a pleasantly savoury finish. Long lasting and already perfect to drink."

98/100 points, FALSTAFF (Austria), February 2016

Also awarded a perfect 100/100 points by the Wine Spectator in 1997.

Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue-veined and other richly flavoured cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs.