1970 Fonseca Vintage Port

[Lars]

In neck fill, a tiny hint of old seepage. Oporto bottled. Quite dark, not much overt redness left. This did disappoint the first 30 minutes (drank from cellar temperature), but blossomed in the glass. Initially shy nose of raisins and burned caramel that became stronger and deeper after a while, some slight herbal notes, menthol after a while; similar in the mouth, some nuts and tobacco, still some dark berries. The caramel component was most evident in the beginning but declined therefafter. Medium to full bodied and fine length, wonderful finish, and surprising sweetness which at first was a bit too much. Well integrated alcohol, not a hot finish. A mellow and lingering wine, actually somewhat complex, and interesting in a sensuous way. Will not get any better, but has at least two decades of life left. 94 points

[Andy Velebil]

Will not get any better, but has at least two decades of life left. 94p

Lars,
A nicely detailed note but from the description sounds like a bottle that suffered from oxidation, or at least premature aging. A sound bottle of this shouldn't show some of the things you found in that bottle. This is a Port that still has a long life ahead where it will continue to get better. Hopefully you get to try it from a better bottle so you can see what a true youngster this Port can be.

[Lars]

Still two cases to go (from other sources)...

[Andy Velebil]

Still two cases to go (from other sources)...

NICE!

[Roy Hersh]

Given that it is already 41 years old, this bottling of Fonseca is pretty incredible and one of the greats. When I say that, I have little doubt that in years to come, we may view this like people do now with the 1945 and 1948 both of which are remarkable Vintage Ports today. Don't touch one of your cases for later in life and you will have some very valuable gems on your hands. This is the real deal and one of the finest VP's from the last generation of Port makers. Bruce Guimaraens was always fond of his 1970.