1996 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port

[Mark D]

Opened 03/06/10

Decanted, with plenty of small chunks.

Lovely translucent scarlet colour fading slightly to the rim. Cork came out cleanly, but strongly smelling of TCA.

D+0
However the wine has no evidence of the cardboard stink - the nose just isn't revealing much at all. In the mouth, still not giving me anything. There's heat, a firm tannic streak and some bright acidity. Nothing else to speak of. Seems to be hiding away at the moment, will see if it reveals anything tomorrow.

D+14.5
Nose starting to reveal something, but still elusive. Still hiding, finish is a little medicinal. Needs more time, but it is a well balanced wine.

Concluded this was possibly mildly corked.


Another opened a week later, and a much, much better bottle! Plums and black cherries; tannins show youth left but I don't think this is far off being excellent.