Fonseca 2009 Vintage Port

Description

Fonseca Port is truly in the top tier of Vintage Port houses and is recognised for the consistency of style and quality developed by five generations of the same family since the firm’s foundation in 1822. Fonseca Vintage Port is sourced mainly from Fonseca’s three Quintas – all located in the Cima Corgo: Quinta de Santo António (which is now organic), Quinta do Cruzeiro, and Quinta do Panascal. All three properties are A-rated, and were purchased by the firm in the 1970s; the former two had been under contract to Fonseca Guimaraens in the early 1900s. Grapes are still trodden by foot in the stone ‘lagares’ of Cruzeiro and Panascal. Fonseca vintage ports are renowned for their great richness, and, while powerful and mouthfilling, for their exquisite structure and femininity. In the context of each vintage, they combine the tannic dimension and ‘grip’ which give great port its longevity, with the breeding, complexity and perfect balance that are Fonseca’s hallmarks. Blender Mario Araújo, who has recently celebrated his 50th year working in the Fonseca tasting room, says of the 2009: ‘This is one of the most impressive young vintage ports that I can remember. In many ways it reminds me of the 1970 with its firm tannins and powerful fruit.’