Page 1 of 1

1983 Fonseca

Posted: 22:12 Wed 15 Mar 2017
by LGTrotter
Pale in colour with a very clear meniscus, but all reds and pinks with little or no perceptible browning.

The nose seems almost non-existent, a hint of spirit and dust.

This port steals across the palate on satin slippers, beautifully soft and composed making a long clear arc which begins with sweetness and surges to finish with a bite of tannin and salinity. A long finish for such a gentle wine. There is some treacle, some spice, cloves in particular. There is little fruit, but a hint of Newberry Fruits, for those of us who remember such things, a melting quality. I do not think it has finished developing.

I will allow I am biased in favour of this style of port, not to the exclusion of the rather more bombastic Fonseca 85s of this world. But it seems graceful, in ways which I cannot imagine the 85 ever achieving. And while I know the comparison will draw snorts of derision from very good judges of port it has much more in common with the Fonseca 77, or even with Taylor ports.

Anyhow, back to earth for the points; 88. But not for me, many more for me.

Re: 1983 Fonseca

Posted: 22:53 Wed 15 Mar 2017
by Alex Bridgeman
Didn't you just buy a case of these? You must be very pleased to have secured some fine drinking for the next few months.

Re: 1983 Fonseca

Posted: 12:35 Thu 16 Mar 2017
by LGTrotter
AHB wrote: 22:53 Wed 15 Mar 2017 Didn't you just buy a case of these? You must be very pleased to have secured some fine drinking for the next few months.
Yes I did and I am pleased. I hope they last longer than a few months as I think they have some development ahead of them. Although this is a hunch rather than a definite thing, they will at least continue unabated for the next ten-ish years if I can keep my hands off them.

Re: 1983 Fonseca

Posted: 21:14 Thu 16 Mar 2017
by LGTrotter
It has performed that peculiar magic trick of looking darker tonight, and it tastes more oleaginous.

Re: 1983 Fonseca

Posted: 08:00 Fri 17 Mar 2017
by PhilW
As discussed at the 80s matrix tasting (and despite the relatively poor showing there compared to how it can be) I'm also a fan of F83; not a typical Fonseca, a softer style but very tasty when the bottle is good. Perhaps it is less robust, and more storage-sensitive. In any case, glad to see someone else enjoying it and giving it praise.