1997 Fonseca vintage port

[AHB]

Deep red with no bricking, 80% opaque but with some fine particulate. Odd nose, very closed, but with some bramble and mint. Lovely texture on the palate, with a great balance and sweet fruit; firm acidity and firm chocolatey tannins. Lovely rounded aftertaste, full of charries and chocolate. Very impressive - one to cellar for some time. 93/100. Drunk 1 Dec 2011.

Part of the 2011 Berry Brother's Port Walkaround tasting that included Quinta de la Rosa White Port served with Fever Tree tonic and lemon, Berry's Crusted bottled 2004, Quinta de la Rosa 1997 colheita, Berry's William Pickering 20 year old tawny, 1997 Quinta de Roeda, 1997 Gould Campbell, 1997 Quarles Harris, 1997 Smith Woodhouse, 1997 Fonseca, 1997 Taylor, 1994 Vesuvio, 1994 Warre, 1994 Dow, 1994 Graham, 1985 Fonseca, 1985 Taylor, 1977 Dow, 1977 Smith Woodhouse (magnum), 1977 Taylor, 1970 Gould Campbell, 1970 Graham, 1963 Dow and 1963 Warre.

[RAYC]

Not for me at this stage. I'll leave evaluation of future potential for others! *** (86)