3 | Wine | Portugal, 91 to 95 | Page 3

"Dense ruby/purple-colored, with an exotic, exuberant perfume of black fruits, flowers, incense, and licorice, this unctuously-textured, full-bodied port is one of the most concentrated of the vintage. Sweet, expansive, and succulent, this large-scaled, but remarkably well-balanced effort is surprisingly forward and accessible (by Fonseca's standards)."

"Though not forthcoming in aroma, displaying butterscotch and hints of herbs, this has a seamless integration of components on the palate, balanced and harmonious, with vibrant acidity weaving throughout. Long finish, adding just a hint of dryness at the end. Gentle, with inner strength."

"Primary yet detailed nose offers crushed blackberry, black cherry, licorice, bitter chocolate, minerals and flowers. Pure, elegant and precise in the mouth, with terrific energy and thrust to the flavors of crushed black fruits and spices. Perhaps best today on the sharply focused, gripping, palate-staining finish, which shows a captivating gingerbread spiciness. This can be tasted now thanks to its intensity and sheer personality but is built to age." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"Pure, lush and refined, with plenty of minerality to the vibrant red raspberry, plum and cherry flavors. Zesty notes of black licorice linger on the effusively spicy finish."

"Fantastic aromas of blackberries and tar. Lightly stemmy, which is the sign of a great young Vintage Port. Full-bodied, with wonderfully integrated tannins and a lasting finish. Lots of plums and raspberries. The new 1927?"

"This young Port shows intense aromas of black licorice and berries. It's full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, long finish. Seductive. Fantastic young Port from Churchill. Best ever."

"There's plenty of tannic power in this crisp style, offering flavors of raspberry and cherry that show notes of bittersweet chocolate and citrus, which extend on the dense finish."

"Full medium ruby. Complex, perfumed nose combines crystallized blackberry and cassis, licorice, violet, spice cake, bitter chocolate and mint. Thick, dense and powerful, with slightly grapey, medicinal flavors of black fruits, violet, licorice, dark chocolate and spices. This shows terrific intensity, purity of flavor and length on the palate, with solid but fine tannins. Ultimately quite seamless and silky, even though still young. 91(+?) pts."

"Shows refined maturity, with elegant flavors of dried apricot, citrus peel, chanterelle mushroom and apple cobbler flowing into a rich, spicy finish that features notes of white chocolate."

"Lots of grape on the nose, with hints of dark chocolate and mahogany. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with chewy tannins and a long, raisiny finish. Shows outstanding potential."