Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. The Fonseca Late Bottled Unfiltered Port is an exceptional Late Bottled Vintage Port. Its crafted from a blend of classic Port grapes, including Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Francesca. Under the expert guidance of David Guimaraens, a sixth-generation winemaker, nothing is left to chance. Grapes are gathered from the best vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior regions and are made in the traditional way with fortification with grape spirit halting the fermentation to leave some residual sugar in the wine. This is then placed into large French oak barrels and aged for a full five years. During this time the wine softens and gains complexity but retains its exuberant fruitiness and rich complexity. Unusually, this wine isnt filtered before bottling. This means it has even more character and can continue to develop in the bottle, though it may need decanting before drinking.

Wine Press Ratings

Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 Vintage)

"Spice, liquorice, dense bramble fruit, and notable grip. Fiery and serious with hints of black olives."

Blend: Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Francesca

Taste

With its wonderfully deep purple colour and spicy bouquet of stewed black fruits, chocolate, plum conserve and fresh black berries, its a wine that you just want to start sipping. The palate is big, bold and welcoming. Sweetly toned black fruits mingle with bitter chocolate, raspberries, and coffee, while the lusciously warming body coats the mouth. Toward the end a fresh, cherry sherbet acidity comes through, bringing tones of almonds, minerals, and spices. Just the thing for the cheeseboard, its also great with cherry and chocolate desserts. Drink now and over the next five years.

About the Producer

Fonseca is one of the greatest names of Port wine. Founded in 1815, their wines are characterised by power, charm and elegance. The Late Bottled Vintage is their standard-bearing wine and is made to the same exacting standards as their magnificent Vintage Ports. The main difference between the two is that their Late Bottled Vintage wines spend longer in oak casks before being bottled, hence the name, and that most dont need to be decanted. In making their Late Bottled Vintage Port, Fonseca specially selects grapes that have the character to stand up to this extended ageing period. Conscious of the precious environment in which they produce their wines, Fonseca has invested heavily in sustainable winemaking. It was the first lodge to offer a wholly organic Port and respect for the planet influences all their activities. This has been made easier by the bulk of their fruit coming from their own perfectly placed vineyards. When it comes to Late Bottled Vintage Port, Fonseca offers a uniquely characterful drinking experience.