Fonseca - Vintage Port 2016
Price: $120.85
| Producer | Fonseca |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Douro |
| Varietal | Port Blend |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Sku | 03182 |
Fonseca Description
Fonseca’s three vineyards—Quinta do Panascal, Quinta de Cruzeiro and Quinta de Santo António—all form the backbone of the famous Fonseca Vintage Portos, produced only in vintages that are “declared” as being of the highest quality. Fonseca is recognized across the Douro as a leader of viticultural practices for Porto and has spearheaded development of organic and sustainable programs across the region. The fruit for Fonseca’s Vintage Portos is trod by foot in granite lagares on the estate. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. The wine is aged for two years in oak before being bottled unfiltered.
HARVEST NOTE
Heavy rainfall in April and May replenished ground water reserves reduced by the dry conditions the previous year but also resulted in significant fruit loss and reduction in yields. July saw the onset of hot, dry conditions that lasted for the rest of the summer. Ripening was even, gradual and rounded off by a spell of rainfall towards the middle of September. Estates that delayed picking until after the rains were rewarded by perfect harvesting weather, the cool nights contributing to long, well-balanced fermentations. The young wines displayed very fine aromas as well as pronounced tannins. This early promise has been fully realized, with the 2016 vintage ports showing elegance, finesse, crisp acidity and tannins of exceptional quality. Picking at Fonseca’s Panascal estate began on September 21st and at Quinta do Cruzeiro in the Pinhão Valley on the 28th. Fonseca’s third property, Quinta do Santo António, only started harvesting on October 6th.
TASTING NOTE
Dense purple with a narrow purple rim. The nose opens with pure black fruit, a fusion of black cherry, cassis and blackberry jam aromas, with notes of mint, violets and undertones of tropical fruit. Purity and refinement with subtle, complex fruit character, as well as an attractive minerality. The palate is supported by a vibrant acidity and taut, wiry tannins that provide structure, texture and volume. The berry flavors carry into the long finish. A perfectly balanced Vintage Port.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort and desserts of dark chocolate or berries. Should be decanted before serving due to sediment.
James Suckling: 98 Points
Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
Wine Spectator: 97 Points
This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055.
–JM
Wine Advocate: 96-98 Points
The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend that was not quite bottled when seen (set for a week later), but it was the final blend. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This Fonseca is remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh. It has good concentration but some years have had more and seemed sexier. However, the most notable feature is the structure. It is very impressive in structure, that classic Port power and firmness coming to the fore and overshadowing the rest at the moment. This is very tight and very unevolved. Don't even think of buying it if you aren't prepared to cellar it. The 2030 start date that I have will not be even close to late enough if you want harmony and complexity. To me, this is the best of the three 2016s from the Fladgate Group this issue (Croft and Taylor being the other two), thanks to its pure intensity, but time will tell if it becomes as sexy as I'm sure Taylor's will be. In the meanwhile, Fonseca looks like one of the greats of this vintage.
-- Mark Squires
