Fonseca`Guimaraens`Port, 2008

In certain years when there is no classic Fonseca Vintage Port, a Guimaraens `Single Quinta` Vintage Port may be made instead. Guimaraens Vintage Ports are made with wines that are suppler and early maturing (as opposed to the true Vintage releases that are bigger, more long lasting Port), and offer great value whilst demonstrating true Fonseca character and style.

As would be expected of a Guimaraens Vintage Port, the first impression on the nose is of a powerful detonation of blackberry, cassis, strawberry and woodland fruit. These exuberant berry aromas are seasoned with notes of coffee, treacle and spice and surrounded by a fragrant balsamic aura of gumcistus and mint. The intense fruit flows through the palate like a thick blackcurrant coulis. The palate is supported by a taut fabric of closely woven tannins and the long finish resounds with a final blast of sumptuous ripe berry flavour.

This is pretty intense. Tight and tannic still, this is a very focused Port with fine intensity of flavor and powerful aromatics. There`s a bit of cistus up front for the aromatics and a bit of a crisp edge on the finish. The fruit is certainly ripe, though, even though the mid-palate is elegant. This intense 2008 is not ready. For all of the trend toward drinking Port young, I`d say this needs around 10 more years in the cellar, depending on how you like them. (Then, if you really want complexity, you might wait until 2035 or beyond.) All that said, it drank pretty well when I tried it again 24 hours later. This is a fine selection for the cellar at a pretty nice price for a Port that is already 10 years into its aging curve. Drink 2025-2060. 93/100 points. Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, April 2018