Fonseca LBV Port 2001

Inky garnet red with a spicy black cherry nose. This wine reminds me of the holidays where houses smell of cinnamon and clove potpourri, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and roasted meat. It’s a very familiar and warm aroma that makes me want to curl up next to a warm fire, while sipping it in the company of family and friends. In the mouth, the wine is viscous and smooth with just enough acidity to wash my palate clean for the next sip, showing prune, black cherries, spicy chocolate, roast beef and black olives. Come to think of it, I want a medium-rare roast beef, slightly charred over a wood fire and served with a compote of raisins, figs and dates. Although rather simplistic, as... more November 17, 2007

Deep dark red color intense. Woody nose that is full of nuts and spices. This is all accompanied by an underpinning of dark cherries and other hidden fruits that I feel have yet to fully show themselves. In the mouth this wine is thick and rich, syrupy in one moment and then clean and dry almost the next. The fine tannins and ample acidity make this wine fresh and alive with marion berries, black cherries, black raspberry and then rich chocolaty earth backdrop to pull them together. My mouth is left wanting for a food too combine with this wine, and I might in the end offer up sweet sausages as a fine fit. The pure flavors and fresh palate almost need a bit of sweet fat to tame them down.... more November 17, 2007