Port Wine Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 2012 – 37,5cl – half bottle
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby color with thin purple rim. On the nose has an impressive depth and fruit intensity. Elegant and complex aromas of berries intertwined with mild balsamic and resinous notes of garrigue, rock rose and wild plants. In the mouth the black fruit flavors show a surprising freshness and a thick, tight knit tannins provides both structure and volume. Wonderful and very long finish of juicy flavors of cassis and raspberry. This seductive and balanced Guimaraens 2012 perfectly combines the depth and the exuberance of Quinta do Panascal with clear-cut fruit and the heady scent of Pinhao valley.
NOTES OF THE YEAR
The winter preceding the 2012 vintage was cooler than normal, with only 183,6mm of rainfall recorded in Pinhao between November and March. The sprouting occurred in the normal period for the third week of March having been followed by a period with good levels of rainfall in April and early May. In late May the vineyards had low vigor, as extremely dry winter results and cooler spring than normal. The continuation of good weather in June and July provided a healthy growth of vineyards, yet small berries and bunches had a low effect for the year. The painter took place a little later than usual.
The initial assessment of the grapes in early August the grapes had low sugar levels and high acidity. Hedges, however, were in exceptional conditions for time of year, allowing continuous maturation of fruit by the time of harvest. As a result the harvest began in Quinta do Panascal on 20 September in Quinta do Cruzeiro on 21 and October 2 at Quinta do Santo António. The harvest was briefly interrupted by some rain which fell on the 24th of September, but excellent condition lasted until the end of the harvest.
NEAL MARTIN
DECEMBER 2014-92 POINTS
The Fonseca Guimaraens 2012 explodes on the black plum aromas glass mixed with cassis, fresh figs and prunes with a touch of warmth – in the typical style of Fonseca wine (a bit rebellious, but turbulently fun!) The mouth is sweet in the beginning with fresh plum, raisins and white pepper. This is a racy wine with spices, but without the depth that emproada find a declared year of wine, presenting, however, a final with good balance and very pure. Excellent. Drink it over the next 20 years.
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