Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 2018

Impenetrable purple-black at the centre, with a narrow violet band at the rim. The nose is dense and compact, with impressive depth. The fruit quality is superb, a delicious blend of black and red fruit aromas that is the hallmark of Fonseca vintage Ports, intermingled with hints of dark chocolate. Surrounding this core of powerful, complex fruit is an aura of balsamic and minty aromas. Although the nose is sensual and seductive, it has an appealingly firm edge, provided by graphite and stony minerality. The first impression on the palate is one of smoothness, but the tannins suddenly explode on the finish with assertive pungency and a thread of acidity runs through the wine to give it a lively freshness. There is plenty of crisp berry flavour that carries through to the long finish. This superb Guimaraens Vintage Port displays strength and depth, yet is supple and expressive enough to drink early.