Fonseca
Founded in 1815, Fonseca port has found acclaim with its legendary 1840 vintage (the beginning of a steady stream to follow), and having been the first port produced from entirely organic grapes. Best known for its Bin No.27, these ports retain their youthfulness for decades.
-
(1x75cl) 1970Wine Spectator (96)
Some people may enjoy this wine's rather fat, rich and powerful fruit now, but I still find it too young for drinking. Deeply colored, with smoky mint, tar and fruit aromas, full-bodied, with concentrated fruit flavors and plenty of tannins. -JSInc. TAX€311.30 -
(12x75cl) 1980Inc. TAX€1,794.80 -
(1x75cl) 1983Inc. TAX€119.30 -
(6x75cl) 1985Decanter (96)
A troublesome vintage for many shippers, but Fonseca 1985 never fails to impress: tight-knit, dense and minty with a core of concentration and pure berry fruit. Succulent, wonderfully fresh and vibrant at 30 years old. Peacock’s tail of a finish. A real ‘wow’ of a wine that promises to last a lifetime.Inc. TAX€562.20 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Fonseca has scored in both the 1991 and 1992 vintages. The 1992 is a majestic young port that should ultimately rival, perhaps even surpass this house's most recent great efforts (1985, 1977, 1970, 1963). This colossal vintage port reveals a nearly opaque black/purple color, and an explosive nose of jammy black fruits, licorice, chocolate, and spices. Extremely full-bodied and unctuously-textured, this multi-layered, enormously-endowed port reveals a finish that lasts for over a minute. It is a magnificent port that will age well for 30-40 years. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300.Inc. TAX€1,154.39 -
(12x75cl) NVWine Advocate (92+)
The NV 20 Year Old Tawny Porto is darker and broader than the Taylor's, more powerful and concentrated, rounder and juicier. It is a blend of younger and older Ports aged for an average of 20 years in wood with a slow oxidation that gave it a brownish color and a nutty nose, while keeping some red fruit character. It has the voluptuous and rich Fonseca style. It is a very recent bottling from 2026.Inc. TAX€552.90 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.Inc. TAX€869.99 -
(12x75cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Wild aromas, with flowers, blackberries and passion fruit. Full-bodied, massive on the palate. Medium-sweet. The finish goes on for minutes. A mega young Port. Fonseca. What do you expect? Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€906.49 -
(6x150cl) 2007Wine Enthusiast (96)
Dense and serious, a powerful vintage, as would be expected from Fonseca. The whole emphasis of the wine pushes the tannins forward, but this structure is based on black plums with dark fruit skins and a solid, chunky character. The finish is juicy and bold.Inc. TAX€888.55 -
(12x75cl) 2009Wine Spectator (95)
This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036. 7,000 cases made. -KMInc. TAX€584.10 -
(6x75cl) 2009Wine Spectator (95)
This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036. 7,000 cases made. -KMInc. TAX€360.82 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.Inc. TAX€1,364.72 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.Inc. TAX€430.45 -
James Suckling (98)
Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.Inc. TAX€453.19 -
James Suckling (98)
Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.Inc. TAX€351.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when originally seen, has now been in bottle for a couple of years. It is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar. This is a great Fonseca, distinctive, with a touch of eucalyptus and plums, but also loaded with delicious fruit. Like its Taylor's siblings, there is also a fine backbone. I'd say it is a step behind the Taylor's duo this year, but not by much. It will age well, to say the least.Inc. TAX€513.25 -
(6x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when originally seen, has now been in bottle for a couple of years. It is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar. This is a great Fonseca, distinctive, with a touch of eucalyptus and plums, but also loaded with delicious fruit. Like its Taylor's siblings, there is also a fine backbone. I'd say it is a step behind the Taylor's duo this year, but not by much. It will age well, to say the least.Inc. TAX€516.85 -
(6x50cl) NVInc. TAX€621.90 -
Inc. TAX€833.70 -
(6x75cl) 2012Inc. TAX€261.37 -
Inc. TAX€410.24 -
(12x75cl) 2013Inc. TAX€850.38 -
Inc. TAX€112.57 -
Inc. TAX€812.50 -
(6x75cl) 2018Richard Mayson (18.5)
The second label for Fonseca, a blend fromQuinta do Panascal in the Távora Valley and Fonseca’s estates in the Pinhão Valley. Lovely, ripe expressive dark chocolate concentration on the nose, this really sings from the glass; dense and voluptuous on the palate, super-ripe and plummy with luscious texture backed by firm, gravelly tannins that extend to a broad, gripping finish. Glorious. This will be a keeper.Inc. TAX€202.45 -
(6x75cl) 2022Wine Advocate (94)
Once again, I tasted the 2022 Guimaraens Vintage Port, which is again very expressive and aromatic, open and quite tasty, corresponding to the style of the brand. It's less concentrated and more approachable. The grapes come from their properties in the Douro planted with the traditional grape varieties and with a significant number of grapes from mixed varieties that correspond to the old vines. It has 20% alcohol, 4.6 grams of acidity and 98 grams of sugar. It has nice structure and integrated alcohol, the tannins are nicely coated by the fruit and the flavors are focused, clean and precise. 26,400 bottles produced. It was bottled in 2024 after 18 to 24 months in large oak containers.Inc. TAX€256.64 -
Inc. TAX€102.97
-
(1x75cl) 1970Wine Spectator (96)
Some people may enjoy this wine's rather fat, rich and powerful fruit now, but I still find it too young for drinking. Deeply colored, with smoky mint, tar and fruit aromas, full-bodied, with concentrated fruit flavors and plenty of tannins. -JSIn Bond€254.00 -
(12x75cl) 1980In Bond€1,430.00 -
(1x75cl) 1983In Bond€94.00 -
(6x75cl) 1985Decanter (96)
A troublesome vintage for many shippers, but Fonseca 1985 never fails to impress: tight-knit, dense and minty with a core of concentration and pure berry fruit. Succulent, wonderfully fresh and vibrant at 30 years old. Peacock’s tail of a finish. A real ‘wow’ of a wine that promises to last a lifetime.In Bond€436.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Fonseca has scored in both the 1991 and 1992 vintages. The 1992 is a majestic young port that should ultimately rival, perhaps even surpass this house's most recent great efforts (1985, 1977, 1970, 1963). This colossal vintage port reveals a nearly opaque black/purple color, and an explosive nose of jammy black fruits, licorice, chocolate, and spices. Extremely full-bodied and unctuously-textured, this multi-layered, enormously-endowed port reveals a finish that lasts for over a minute. It is a magnificent port that will age well for 30-40 years. Importer: Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300.In Bond€897.00 -
(12x75cl) NVWine Advocate (92+)
The NV 20 Year Old Tawny Porto is darker and broader than the Taylor's, more powerful and concentrated, rounder and juicier. It is a blend of younger and older Ports aged for an average of 20 years in wood with a slow oxidation that gave it a brownish color and a nutty nose, while keeping some red fruit character. It has the voluptuous and rich Fonseca style. It is a very recent bottling from 2026.In Bond€391.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.In Bond€660.00 -
(12x75cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Wild aromas, with flowers, blackberries and passion fruit. Full-bodied, massive on the palate. Medium-sweet. The finish goes on for minutes. A mega young Port. Fonseca. What do you expect? Score range: 95-100In Bond€692.00 -
(6x150cl) 2007Wine Enthusiast (96)
Dense and serious, a powerful vintage, as would be expected from Fonseca. The whole emphasis of the wine pushes the tannins forward, but this structure is based on black plums with dark fruit skins and a solid, chunky character. The finish is juicy and bold.In Bond€679.00 -
(12x75cl) 2009Wine Spectator (95)
This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036. 7,000 cases made. -KMIn Bond€417.00 -
(6x75cl) 2009Wine Spectator (95)
This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036. 7,000 cases made. -KMIn Bond€268.00 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.In Bond€1,095.00 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.In Bond€327.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.In Bond€356.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.In Bond€260.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when originally seen, has now been in bottle for a couple of years. It is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar. This is a great Fonseca, distinctive, with a touch of eucalyptus and plums, but also loaded with delicious fruit. Like its Taylor's siblings, there is also a fine backbone. I'd say it is a step behind the Taylor's duo this year, but not by much. It will age well, to say the least.In Bond€396.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when originally seen, has now been in bottle for a couple of years. It is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar. This is a great Fonseca, distinctive, with a touch of eucalyptus and plums, but also loaded with delicious fruit. Like its Taylor's siblings, there is also a fine backbone. I'd say it is a step behind the Taylor's duo this year, but not by much. It will age well, to say the least.In Bond€399.00 -
(6x50cl) NVIn Bond€495.00 -
In Bond€625.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012In Bond€184.00 -
In Bond€307.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013In Bond€641.00 -
In Bond€88.00 -
In Bond€612.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Richard Mayson (18.5)
The second label for Fonseca, a blend fromQuinta do Panascal in the Távora Valley and Fonseca’s estates in the Pinhão Valley. Lovely, ripe expressive dark chocolate concentration on the nose, this really sings from the glass; dense and voluptuous on the palate, super-ripe and plummy with luscious texture backed by firm, gravelly tannins that extend to a broad, gripping finish. Glorious. This will be a keeper.In Bond€137.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022Wine Advocate (94)
Once again, I tasted the 2022 Guimaraens Vintage Port, which is again very expressive and aromatic, open and quite tasty, corresponding to the style of the brand. It's less concentrated and more approachable. The grapes come from their properties in the Douro planted with the traditional grape varieties and with a significant number of grapes from mixed varieties that correspond to the old vines. It has 20% alcohol, 4.6 grams of acidity and 98 grams of sugar. It has nice structure and integrated alcohol, the tannins are nicely coated by the fruit and the flavors are focused, clean and precise. 26,400 bottles produced. It was bottled in 2024 after 18 to 24 months in large oak containers.In Bond€179.00 -
In Bond€80.00

