1966 Fonseca Vintage Port

Bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd, who bottled their last wines in 1991 with a 1990 Chapoutier. They were still bottling bordeaux in the late 1970s and wood ports in the late 1980s. Sweet red fruits on this with a peppery finish. This was still going strong! A note of pimento even. Lots of flattering roundness of texture. Mature vintage port is a very special treat. (JR)

Fonseca is one of the great port lodges, producing the most exotic and most complex port. If Fonseca lacks the sheer weight and power of a Taylor, Dow or Warre, or the opulent sweetness and intensity of a Graham, it excels in its magnificently complex, intense bouquet of plummy, cedary, spicy fruit and long, broad, expansive flavors. With its lush, seductive character, one might call it the Pomerol of Vintage ports. When it is young, it often loses out in blind tastings to the heavier, weightier, more tannic wines, but I always find myself upgrading my opinion of Fonseca after it has had 7-10 years of age. The 1966 is a top success for that vintage and is fully mature, but will hold for 15 or more years. .

This is still a monster that needs time. Deep ruby, with a ripe, meaty cassis and berry nose, full-bodied, with tons of velvety fruit flavors, full tannins and a very long finish. Can drink now. Best after 1994. – James Suckling , Wine Spectator 1989