1963 Fonseca

Tasted blind. Quite a depth of red-brown colour still. Notable, jammy strawberry aromatics that are enveloped by Christmas cake, a few herbal notes and layers of old leather and truffle complexity. This broadens out and develops beautifully in the glass. Sweet, rich and mouth-filling, with a delightful, chocolate-laced finish. Glorious. (TJ)

This example was bottled in Porto and remained in the house’s bin until this tasting. The 1963 Vintage Port has a dark russet color. The nose is beautifully defined, perhaps this particular bottle less exuberant than other that I have encountered. It offers walnut, small cherries, juniper berries and a touch of spirit that expands in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful balance and fine tannins. It has tremendous weight matched by nigh perfect acidity. It is very harmonious, almost honeyed towards the finish with hazelnut and cloves infusing the decayed fruit and hints of menthol on the spicy aftertaste. This is a sublime Fonseca that will last another two or three decades with ease. Drink now-2030+.