Fonseca Half 2009

From its first Vintage Port release in 1840, Fonseca has established itself as one of the preeminent producers in the region, renowned for remarkable quality and consistency. Their Vintage Ports are only released when a vintage produces outstanding wines with long term ageing potential and are composed of wines from the estates of Cruzeiro, Santo Antonio and Panascal. The 2009 vintage saw low yields but wonderfully concentrated fruit. This is an exuberant and voluminous release offering up seductive notes of crème de cassis, blackberry, prune, eucalyptus, slate and wild herbs. Still broody and tannic on the palate, this is a fine Vintage Port but it will need a few more years cellaring to demonstrate its full potential.