1980 Fonseca Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Served by the glass at the Crusting Pipe in Covent Garden, London.

Clear, glowing ruby colour. Slight browning hint and colour thins into the rim.

Nose dominated by alcohol with sweet red berries and redcurrants.

Dusty and acidic entry, develops into sweet strawberry syrup - overly sweet for my taste. No tannins show, slight heat and bitterness in the mid-palate.

Taste vanishes instantly on swallowing but comes back after 10 seconds and morphs into an amazing complex of chocolate and black pepper that lasts a minute and a half. The stunning aftertaste redeems a wine which I felt was otherwise on the poor side. 90/100.

[Stuart Chatfield]

Useful note, thanks. This often goes for a pittance at auction - I've seen it go for less than GBP250 per case and have wondered whether to snap one up just as an everyday "house" wine.

Might go and try one one lunchtime to see.

For me Dow remains the best '80 by far.

[Alex K.]

I picked up one of these for £30, so the notes don't disappoint.

[Al B.]

Note from a bottle decanted 15 days before tasting.

Paler in colour that the Dow 1970 tasted at the same time. Watery into the rim with an orange overtone. Alcohol on the nose carrying some grassy tones. Very sweet, thick/syrupy entry. Tastes initially of molasses and sugary tea. Peppery spiciness from the alcohol comes through next and then some vegetal fruit. Pleasant in an odd way. Long and vibrant aftertaste that overwhelms the mouth is quite astonishing. Makes me wonder what this wine would be like if only a day old. 87/100