1997 Fonseca Vintage Port
Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 7:50 am
Opened Christmas Eve. Cork was a bit dry on the upper 2/3rds, rest spongey. It broke during extraction so I had to push the bottom 1/3rd into the bottle. Say a prayer this is not a bad sign, then proceed.
I tried a small sip upon opening. Dark garnet in glass, nose pleasing but of fruit at the height of ripeness or one step beyond. Nicely balanced tannins. Aftertaste a little clipped. Initial concerns abating.
5 hours: The color is still garnet to indigo. Still ripe fruit. Tastes a bit like cooked, ripe boysenberries (like in a pie) with a touch of spice--very nice mouthfeel and the aftertaste is moderate but lasts well. Very pleased so far.
26 hours: The color is more garnet. This seems to be slightly worse than the day before, but not by much. Not much else has changed. Still enjoying.
Not sure when I can get to the last 1/4 bottle so I put it in the fridge. Really want to sit down with the rest without 10+ people around so I can properly taste.
3rd Day: Has become a little cloudy in the fridge; still slightly overripe fruits with a touch of soft, cracked pepper. Aftertaste is dry and moderate in length. Score remains...
92 Points
I tried a small sip upon opening. Dark garnet in glass, nose pleasing but of fruit at the height of ripeness or one step beyond. Nicely balanced tannins. Aftertaste a little clipped. Initial concerns abating.
5 hours: The color is still garnet to indigo. Still ripe fruit. Tastes a bit like cooked, ripe boysenberries (like in a pie) with a touch of spice--very nice mouthfeel and the aftertaste is moderate but lasts well. Very pleased so far.
26 hours: The color is more garnet. This seems to be slightly worse than the day before, but not by much. Not much else has changed. Still enjoying.
Not sure when I can get to the last 1/4 bottle so I put it in the fridge. Really want to sit down with the rest without 10+ people around so I can properly taste.
3rd Day: Has become a little cloudy in the fridge; still slightly overripe fruits with a touch of soft, cracked pepper. Aftertaste is dry and moderate in length. Score remains...
92 Points