Fonseca Vintage Port 1997

Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal, 1997

An attractive, floral scented nose, elegant and complex; raspberry and fresh berry aromas. A very elegant, smooth and complete wine. Hints of tobacco and cedar wood spice - enormous depth. Lovely rich fruit and big tannins. Long finish.

1997 harvest: The weather during the harvest was extremely hot and extra effort was made to prolong the fermentations. Yields however were down by around 30%. The high quality was evident in the wines from the start, with the intensity of the must, good integration of spirit and powerful attractive aromas.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Somewhat of a lightweight for Fonseca, but undeniably charming, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine offers a floral, exotic, flamboyant bouquet, a sweet, fleshy style, but not a great deal of weight or massiveness. Heady alcohol, sweet tannin, and a velvety texture make for a gorgeous finish. While I would have preferred to have seen more weight, structure, and intensity, this is an outstanding, albeit lighter than normal Fonseca."

93/100 points, Robert M. Parker Jr., January 2000

"Black purple. Much softer and gentler than the Taylor's. Spice, tannins. A big 'un. Fleshy."

18.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, October 2002

Fonseca has belonged to the first rank of Vintage Port producers since the mid-nineteenth century. Fonseca Vintage Ports are noted for their luscious fruitiness which develops great opulence and complexity with age.

This is part of a private customer’s collection. These wines are in excellent condition. We are acting as an agent in the sale and the price is exclusive of V.A.T. which is not due. Our multibuy discounts do not apply.