Fonseca Vintage Port (2003)

#3 from Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2005

Beautiful deep color with brick red halo. Nose of good depth, sweet and harmonious, somewhat witty, rich, soft touches of dark chocolate and cherry (cherry tomato). Harmonious and elegant wine, some quality structure with amazing spice and mint notes, very crisp fruit, soft. A very enjoyable Vintage Port, now with good tannins to carry it through to old age. Seems softer than usual. Nose closing in. Lots of fruit, black currant and blackberry, really intense jam with cocoa notes and firm but silky tannins. A powerful Vintage Port. Quality ripe fruit, good expression, cherry, a lovely character.

Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue veined and other richly flavoured cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savour the rich and complex flavours of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company.

Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca