Decanted, with plenty of small chunks.
Lovely translucent scarlet colour fading slightly to the rim. Cork came out cleanly, but strongly smelling of TCA.
D+0
However the wine has no evidence of the cardboard stink - the nose just isn't revealing much at all. In the mouth, still not giving me anything. There's heat, a firm tannic streak and some bright acidity. Nothing else to speak of. Seems to be hiding away at the moment, will see if it reveals anything tomorrow.
1996 Fonseca Guimaraens
Re: 1996 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port
On reflection not really scarlet (that would be weird). More a deep purpley red with a light rim.
Anyway
D+14.5
Nose starting to reveal something, but still elusive. Still hiding, finish is a little medicinal. Needs more time, but it is a well balanced wine.
Anyway
D+14.5
Nose starting to reveal something, but still elusive. Still hiding, finish is a little medicinal. Needs more time, but it is a well balanced wine.
Mark
- Michael M.
- Quinta do Noval LBV
- Posts: 244
- Joined: 12:50 Wed 08 Aug 2007
- Location: Germany
Re: 1996 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port
Mark, I have from 1996 Sandeman Vau Vintage Port which needs a lot of air. Even after 72 hours it was in a decent condition. Due to the vintage certainly not a blockbuster at all but a focus and depth one can find on the Ruby site only in a VP. Perhaps the FG will reward patience too.
Shut Up 'N Drink Yer Port
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14915
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: 1996 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port
Where did you get the bottle? If one of the supermarkets, consider returning it for a replacement - that very flat nose and palate is very typical of a mildly corked port
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.
Re: 1996 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port
You are probably right, though the only TCA I could detect was from the cork; the wine itself has no such smell.AHB wrote:that very flat nose and palate is very typical of a mildly corked port
It is, however, still very drinkable especially considering the price paid (£10).
That said, I had a claret-style wine (from Bergerac) a few months ago that had a similarly smelly cork - it had little nose and even less in the mouth, the TCA only became noticeable the following day.
One to put down to experience.
Mark