1983 Fonseca Vintage Port

[Bill Spohn]

1983 Fonseca Port – a somewhat woody nose, only a little hot (others found more heat in it than I did) medium colour, medium sweet, definitely a bit hot on palate, reasonably rich in taste, smooth middle and a tad shorter tan I would have preferred. Decent but not in the usual class of this house in good vintages.

[Andy Velebil]

Bill
First let me welcome you and I think it's great your first post was a TN As you've found out the 1983 Fonseca isn't exactly the best Fonseca has to offer. Your note is spot on with this one and it's one to drink sooner rather than later as I don't see it getting better. I'd suggest trying the 1985 Fonseca, if you haven't already. Lets just say the 1985 is a Ferrari and the 1983 is a Honda Civic

[Bill Spohn]

Thanks, Andy.

Fearless leader was taking me to task for never posting here. It is a combination of rarely getting into my Port stores, and then when I do, trying to remember to post a separate post on this forum. I resolve to do better in future.

I didn't buy the 85 Fonseca, but I do have 63 and 77, as well as a bit of 94 that will need lots more time. You always look back and wonder why you didn't buy a particular wine in a particular vintage. I'm sure there must have been some good reason at the time....I'm sure I was probably loading up on something else when the 85s were released, or something.

[David Spriggs]

It's nice to see you here Bill! Thanks for spending the time to post the TN.
-Dave-

[Richard Henderson]

I think there is a consensus on the Fonseca 1983. It is disappointing for one of my favorite ports and from my anniversary year. I think I will be drinking Cockburn's 1983 for my 50th!

[Andy Velebil]

I think I will be drinking Cockburn's 1983 for my 50th!

I hope it isn't corked, which has something like a 80-90% of it being so.

[Richard Henderson]

I have seen that mentioned here but my luck with Cockburn's 83 has been good. I have had one corked bottle but I have had 10 or so just fine.

[Roy Hersh]

Bill,

Thanks brother. I'll be up next month and hope that Mr. Curtis will arrange an offline and we get to hang again this year. Appreciate the note. I am one who has always felt that 1983 Fonseca is a decent Port, never great but never disappointing either. I know others are usually harder on the F83 than me. I agree with Andy's car comparison though. I know you don't drink Port all that often, but a couple of times a year, I do see your notes at the end of a serious tasting you've attended. Even if it is a rare visit, we'd love to have you come back and join us!




Richard,

That was my exact status as well. Then I ran into another case and have only had two bottles that have shown well from the past 8 or 9 opened. That bad streak was pretty horrible. Glad yours are faring better.

[Bill Spohn]

Bill,

Thanks brother. I'll be up next month and hope that Mr. Curtis will arrange an offline and we get to hang again this year.

I shall chivvy him into doing so!

[Lamont Huxley]

Unfortunately, I'm in the concensus on this one. I've only had this bottle once (in the late 90's) but it was one of the most disappointing VPs in memory - very vegetal and cabbagey on the nose and unpleasantly hot on the palate. Even if there's a chance that another bottle might show better, I don't think I'd take a chance on it again.

[Bill Spohn]

Definitely no vegetables in our bottle. I wonder what is up with that? Shouldn't get that sort of bottle variation in comparatively young wines.