2003 Fonseca Classic port
COUNTRY
Portugal
TABLE #
6364
REGION
Douro Valley
94
This is hitting its stride now, with an alluring set of warmed ganache, toasted black sesame, plum cake and canned brown bread notes leading the way. Shows a black treacle hint, along with succulence and brambly grip on the back end, giving this a distinctive persona. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Best from 2025 through 2045. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 12,000 cases made, 360 cases imported.
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. The wine is aged for two years in oak before being bottled unfiltered.
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
The Winter preceding the 2003 harvest was very wet. Flowering took place in bright warm weather at the end of May in some of the best conditions seen for several years. The first two weeks of August provided the intense Summer heat which often precedes a great port vintage. The second half of August was cooler and two days of rain occurred with perfect timing, ripening off the grapes at the end of the month. The picking season in September was warm and dry and
the yields were even across all grape varieties, ensuring balance and complexity in the wines.
The wine is aged for two years in oak before being bottled unfiltered. Then aged 20 years in bottle at the winery.
Fine deep color with brick red edge. Good depth of nose, sweet, some spirit on the nose, rich, soft touches of dark chocolate and cherry (cherry tomato). Harmonious, elegant wine, some fine structure with exciting hints of spice and mint, very focused fruit, soft. A delightful Vintage Port now with good tannins to take it to old age. Appears softer than usual. Closing nose. Big fruit, blackcurrant and blackberry, real intense jams with cocoa notes and firm yet silky tannins.
Powerful Vintage Port. Fine ripe fruit, good expression, cherry, a charming character.
20.56% ABV
92.1 g/l
4.45 g/l
3.69
