Fonseca 2003

This nose seems to have closed down since its initial exuberant showing. But it does have that ripe black fruit, creme de menthe, blueberry, orange liqueur and a touch of walnut developing with aeration. The palate is full-bodied, sinewy, lithe on the entry with saturated blackberry, damson and fig flavours on the front and then sexy liquorices infused cherry on the finish. Lovely focus, spicy and vivacious towards the finish. Excellent. Drink 2025-2050+ Tasted May 2009.

Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I've ever encountered, it coats the taster's palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom.

Intense but obtuse. Beyond dark fruit and a few hints of violets, not much on the nose. Dark chocolate, savoury tones yet siren-esque rich fruit that holds enormous promise. (RH) Intense but obtuse. Beyond dark fruit and a few hints of violets, not much on the nose. Dark chocolate, savoury tones yet siren-esque rich fruit that holds enormous promise. Date tasted 24th Sept 08.

Wild aromas, with flowers, blackberries and passion fruit. Full-bodied, massive on the palate. Medium-sweet. The finish goes on for minutes. A mega young Port. Fonseca. What do you expect?