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Fonseca Vintage 2003 komt uit Portugal

The Wine  Advocate:
"The 2003 Vintage Port comes in with 92 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a big boy in terms of voluptuous fruit, but (at least as double decanted overnight), it is drinkable now, even if it still tightens noticeably as it sits in the glass. Make no mistake, though—it is nowhere near peak. This rather dry Fonseca is big and fat, yet there is also some concept of balance here, surprisingly. This very warm vintage wasn't exactly shy. The concentration easily counters the power, and it steadily acquired better balance as it sat and aired. In terms of complexity, there's no there there yet, if you'll allow the Gertrude Stein summary. In that sense, at least, it is far too young and needs another decade. Winemaker David Guimaraens told me that he thinks his grandchildren will be able to enjoy it, so there is no rush. Cellar this for another decade, at the least, more like 20 years if you like them softer and more complex. This will still improve, but it has some more questions to answer in the cellar. The price reflects current availability. Korbrand, the importer, indicated limited stocks are available in the USA as well as Portugal."
Mark Squires, Aug 2017

Drink Date: 2030 - 2065

96 points Wine & Spirits

 The 2003 vintage surrounds Taylor's classically hard-core iron grip with fruit that's generous, succulent and rich. The aromas of violets and spice seem to rise out of a blast of black rock, the muscular tannin inseparable from the fresh fruit. Though the ripeness and richness of the vintage tends to blur many of the distinctions among the best Ports, the relatively dry style of Taylor stands out, the extreme power of its structure bringing to mind a wrought iron fence stretching off into the distance. Winemaker David Guimaraens describes 2003 as a concentrating year, and points to 1966 as a parallel to the vintage. Likely the longest lived of the '03s, this should be drinking best from 2033 through 2055, then mature into a firm old age for decades after.  (12/2005)

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 The 2003 Taylor’s has a lovely ripe, primal bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and marmalade that shows slightly better delineation than the Fonseca. The palate is medium-bodied with very composed, refined tannins that belie the heat of that summer. There is wonderful focus here and fine tension, the finish offering precise notes of black cherries, mulberry, cloves and white pepper. This is one of the finest Ports of a precocious vintage. (NM)  (5/2013)

94 points Wine Spectator

 Lovely aromas of currants, blackberries and licorice. Full-bodied, with medium sweetness and layers of ripe, round, velvety tannins. Flavorful finish. More round and refined than from barrel. Best after 2014. (JS) (4/2006)

93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

 Bright, saturated ruby. Vibrant, pure aromas of blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Juicy, minerally, precise and penetrating, but quite primary and unevolved today. Shows strong but integrated acidity and a tight kernel of fruit. Best today on the slow-building, rising, aristocratic finish. But today the wine's tannins are less obvious than its acids. This seems distinctly less ripe and chewy than the great 2000 Taylor's but it's still extremely unevolved. Latour-like in its structure and reserve. (ST) 

TASTING NOTE

Fine deep colour with brick red edge.  Good depth of nose, sweet and harmonious, some spirit on the nose, rich, soft touches of dark chocolate and cherry (cherry tomato).  Harmonious, elegant wine, some fine structure with exciting hints of spice and mint, very focused fruit, soft. 

A delightful Vintage Port now with good tannins to take it to old age.  Appears softer than usual. Closing nose.  Big fruit, blackcurrant and blackberry, real intense jams  with cocoa notes and firm yet silky tannins.  

Powerful Vintage Port. Fine ripe fruit, good expression, cherry, a charming character.

REVISTA DE VINHOS

REVISTA DE VINHOS

AUGUST 2005 – 19 POINTS OUT OF 20

"Fine and charming aroma. Floral notes, elegant morello cherry fruit, dry undergrowth, soft chemical nuances. On the palate it exhibits a rare blend of power and elegance, complex, with steely tannins coated in silk, all in harmony and supremely tuned with an extremely long finish."

WINE ENTHUSIAST

WINE ENTHUSIAST

NOVEMBER 2005, NO 3 FROM W.E.’S TOP 100 WINES OF 2005

"Fonseca Vintage Ports are always among the most attractive, and among the most long lived. This 2003 confirms magnificently to that model. It is structured, but also so rich, powerful and opulent. There are cassis and black fig flavors, as well as sweet tannins. It is delicious already, and will remain delicious throughout its long life.

JAMES SUCKLING

JAMES SUCKLING

WINE SPECTATOR ONLINE

95-100

"Wild aromas, with flowers, blackberries and passion fruit. Full bodied, massive on the palate. Medium sweet. The finish goes on for minutes.

A mega young Port. Fonseca. What do you expect?"

NOTES ON THE YEAR

The Winter preceding the 2003 harvest was very wet. Flowering took place in bright warm weather at the end of May in some of the best conditions seen for several years.

The first two weeks of August provided the intense Summer heat which often precedes a great port vintage. The second half of August was cooler and two days of rain occurred with perfect timing, ripening off the grapes at the end of the month.

The picking season in September was warm and dry and the yields were even across all grape varieties, ensuring balance and complexity in the wines.