Wine Advisor
Fonseca, Guimaraens Vintage Port 2013
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Mark Squires
The 2013 Guimaraens Vintage Port is a blend from three Quintas (Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo Antonio). It comes in at 101 grams per liter of residual sugar. Bottled at the end of June 2015, this 2013 was a bit too sedate and understated after the initial aeration, but it was impressive in its ability to pull itself together, ultimately fleshing out, putting on weight and seeming far lusher and richer. It has lovely fruit and an intensely flavorful finish together with fine structure. It became surprisingly intense on the finish as it held, too, a pattern that was repeated the next day. That said, it is probably not quite as concentrated as it sometimes appeared on first taste. It may drink rather well on the younger side, but I'm always going to recommend holding them a bit to allow them to settle down, and even more importantly, acquire some complexity. For better results, come back in ten years or so.
About the Producer
Fonseca is one of the most prestigious and historic Port wine houses in Portugal's Douro Valley. Established in 1822 by Antônio Monteiro Fonesca, the quinta has been owned and operated by the same family for nearly two centuries. Known for their concentrated, complex and age-worthy Vintage Ports, Fonseca also produces outstanding Late Bottled Vintage, Crusted and Tawny styles that showcase the depth and diversity of the Douro terroir. The winery's flagship Vintage Ports, such as the iconic Fonseca Guimaraens, are highly coveted by collectors for their remarkable balance, structure and potential to develop over decades in the cellar. Fonseca is considered a benchmark producer in the storied world of Port.
