2003 Jose Maria da Fonseca & van Zeller Vintage Port

[Todd Pettinger]

Jose Maria da Fonseca & van Zeller Vintage Port – 2003
Inky black with purple rim. A killer nose of intense grape preserves.

Some licorice and blackberry present on the palate, but grapes and dark cherries dominate. Some acidity present to balance off the very young, green, harsh tannic structure that leads me to believe this youngster could very well last 5 – 6 decades. I am hoping it matures before then as I have a case of this, picked up at reasonable prices for a relatively unknown producer.

With chocolate in the mid-palate and touches in the finish, a balanced yet strong tannic structure and dry finish. Cherries, blackberries and grapes are prevalent and lead to a very nice, well-balance Vintage Port that is in for the long haul. What’s not to like? Patience should be rewarded.

94+ pts

[Roy Hersh]

Todd,

Good to see you found this bottling. Certainly not from a little known producer as these are two serious producers who came together to vinify this fine VP. How much did it cost up there in Edmonton?

By the way, I am coming back to your neck of the woods in November to host a Port tasting and you should make sure to get on the list of guests before it is completely sold out. The vertical will be fun. You'll have to call to find out the excellent producer.

[Todd Pettinger]

Initially released at $50, it has been reduced to $46. I secured 5 bottles recently at $35/each when a store needed to clear some shelf space

Was second on the list Roy!!! Although I understood that we were going to be doing a 1994 Horizontal. Whatever it is, it will be good!