Fonseca Vintage Half 2017

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. 2017 saw drought conditions across the Douro Valley, but the quality of the crop remained exceptionally high and this is a marvellous release. The nose bursts with dense dark fruits, balsamic notes, cedar and slatey minerality. On the palate it is tight-knit and sinewy with massive inward concentration of fruit and an impressively lengthy finish. It is a quietly powerful wine that will easily stand the test of time.