1970 Fonseca

[jdaw1]

At Bonham’s on 18 February 2016 was sold most of a pipe of Fonseca 1963, not moved since original purchase (lots 324 to 343).

So, on Wednesday 15th June 2016, we gathered in the Boot & Flogger to compare six of these, which were joined by a selection of other English-bottled Vintage Ports.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• The six Fonseca 1963s:
  • 1963 Fonseca, α = alpha;
  • 1963 Fonseca, β = beta;
  • 1963 Fonseca, γ = gamma;
  • 1963 Fonseca, δ = delta;
  • 1963 Fonseca, ε = epsilon;
  • 1963 Fonseca, ζ = zeta;
• The other English-bottled Vintage Ports:
  • 1955 Mackenzie;
  • 1963 Berry Bros & Rudd;
  • 1963 Martinez;
  • 1963 Warre;
  • 1970 Fonseca;
  • 1970 Warre;
  • 1970 Smith Woodhouse;
• And one colheita:
  • 1937 Warre colheita;
• Food order.
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

[flash_uk]

55% opacity, warm red. Rich and syrupy, ripe fruit, some gentle spices.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottled by Corney & Barrow. Deep red in colour, strong and intense; 70% opaque. Little showing on the nose, just a bit of harsh redcurrant. The nose improves over the course of 90 minutes in the glass, deepening and starting to show some black cherry. Smooth entry, sweet red cherry fruit with pronounced tannins. Intensely flavoured palate with great depth. Big aftertaste with huge doses of fruit on the aftertaste and a dried black cherry finish. Delicious port. 94/100.