NV Fonseca Terra Bella Organic Reserve Port

[Glenn E.]

A Celebration of Port at the Salish Lodge with guest host Adrian Bridge
March 30, 2011

Fonseca Terra Bella

Its appearance is what you would expect from a Ruby Reserve - purple, but not particularly dark or opaque. The nose is interesting, though, in that it seems significantly more floral than other Ruby Reserves. The fruits tend toward the light grape end of things instead of dark berries like blackberries and black currants. This carries over to the palate as well making the Terra Bella fruitier and more lively than I'm used to in most Ruby Reserves. Unfortunately while the initial impression is quite good, it doesn't stand up to comparisons with Taylor's First Estate or Fonseca's Bin 27 (let alone the 2005 Taylor LBV that was served next). It lacks a bit of body and despite the interesting nose and flavors seems a bit too one dimensional.

Score: 86 points. Some additional depth to the flavors and a bit more body would help, but it was still very good and paired well with the venison.