Quite light in colour, pink at the centre but fading out to brown and transparent at the rim. Something a bit funky on the nose, but still a touch of liquorice and fruit. Some length and development on the palate, red fruits and a hint of tannin to finish it off. Not on the way out but I doubt it will get better.
I remember being in raptures about the last bottle of this I had, thinking of those lovely middle weight ports which are not much favoured these days. But I did not find this even slightly entertaining, not actually a dud (I think) but just rather humdrum. Similar to any entry level ruby, rather than a proper vintage.
Having gone back to this again I think it is corked.
1983 Fonseca
Re: 1983 Fonseca
This being a corked bottle was what sprang to mind from your description
Top Ports in 2018 (so far): Niepoort VV (1960's Bottling), Quinta do Noval Nacional 1994 and San Leonardo Very Old White (Bottled 2018)
2017 Ports of the year: Fonseca 1927 and Quinta do Noval 1927
2017 Ports of the year: Fonseca 1927 and Quinta do Noval 1927