Fonseca Vintage Port 2003

Fonseca are arguably the leading producer of vintage port, combining both power and finesse. Some even with the potential to last over a hundred years.

• This port has a sweet and harmonious nose, with rich, soft touches of dark chocolate and cherry
• An intense yet elegant wine, with fine structure and exciting hints of spice and mint
• Big blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, with an intense jamminess and cocoa notes
• Firm, yet silky tannins

Just entering its drinking window and capable of a few more decades maturation.

Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Fonseca vintage port 2003, as are blue veined and other rich cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savour the rich and complex flavours of the wine on their own in a generously
proportioned glass with good company.

The ideal storage conditions are up to 16º celsius and most importantly at a constant temperature. The bottle should rest on its side, thus keeping the cork moist and therefore an effective seal. When decanting the wine, stand the bottle upright a few hours before drinking to allow the collected sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle.

After uncorking the wine, pour in a slow, steady stream into your decanter, carefully watching the emerging liquid to ensure that you only pour the clear wine, leaving the sediment behind.

2003 was a particularly hot, dry growing season, producing extremely ripe, opulent wines. Thankfully, the wet winter preceding the harvest meant the roots of the vines had good access to water reserves during extreme conditions. Enough reserves at least to last to the very welcome rain that hit the Baixo and Cima Corgo at the end of August. According to David Guimaraens, this was a textbook year for vintage port.