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.
1983 Fonseca
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14880
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: 1983 Fonseca
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.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
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- Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
- Posts: 3707
- Joined: 17:45 Fri 19 Oct 2012
- Location: Somerset, UK
Re: 1983 Fonseca
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.
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- Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
- Posts: 3707
- Joined: 17:45 Fri 19 Oct 2012
- Location: Somerset, UK
Re: 1983 Fonseca
It has performed that peculiar magic trick of looking darker tonight, and it tastes more oleaginous.
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- Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952
- Posts: 3503
- Joined: 14:22 Wed 15 Dec 2010
- Location: Near Cambridge, UK
Re: 1983 Fonseca
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.