1966 Fonseca VP

[Mike J. W.]

This is the first time I've had a '66 Fonseca. It's my favorite Port house and I had been looking for an occasion to open this bottle. My wife's birthday was the perfect reason. She's older than the bottle (as am I), but I thought a special bottle would cap off the night.

I can easily say that this is one of the Top 5 bottles that I've had in my nascent history of drinking Port. The bottle itself was in good condition with no damage to the hard plastic capsule and no signs of seepage as the fill was mid-neck. The cork was another story however as I could see that it was soaked through. I used an ah so and was able to remove 2/3 of the cork that way, although it broke into pieces. The last 1/3 was too far down and I had to push it into the bottle.

The fragrance upon opening was one of blackberries and rich spices with just a hint of spirits and a touch of VA. It decanted easily and I took a sip (as I usually do) just to see how it tastes upon opening. It was warm, thick in the mouth and delicious. The color was like an older, pale rose burgundy. It sat in the decanter for 6 hours until after dinner was finished. Upon pouring it gave off aromas of cotton candy and spiced cranberry jelly. I have to say that every sip was magical. It was smooth yet filled the mouth with a delicious spiced flavor that I still can't place my finger on. I know it's the taste of a candy from my youth, but I can't quite bring it to mind even though I've been racking my brain for the past 3 days. All I know was it was delicious, spicy, perfectly balanced and it left me wanting more. My wife who isn't a big Port drinker at all went for a second glass. I had 3 glasses both the first and second night and my daughter had 2 each night. This is the first time I've polished off a full bottle in just 2 days. I'm normally a one glass (sometimes 2) a night Port drinker. It was just phenomenal.

I recently acquired 4 more bottles of this Port and I know that I can drink them whenever as this Port hasn't even come close to declining yet.
96 points.

[David Spriggs]

This is an awesome wine. One of my very favorites. "Magical" explains it completely. I'm glad that yours showed well!

[Moses Botbol]

'66 Fonseca is a stunning port by any measure.