Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 1995

Notes on the Year:

The winter of 1994/5 had quite heavy rain, but temperatures were higher than normal and there was effectively no cold weather. February was dry and early spring was unusually warm for the season. Cold weather arrived at the end of April and, in the higher parts of the Douro, there was severe frost damage. In May, however, flowering conditions turned out to be almost perfect.

The two standout features of the 1995 harvest were exceptionally high sugar levels and a very abundant crop. Colour extraction was excellent and fermentations in the lagares always took quite a long time.

Tasting Note:

Fresh, concentrated aromas of raspberry jam with herbal nuances. A delicious palate, fat and full of chocolate, prune and liquorice flavours. Firm tannins, good volume and a soft, velvety texture. Wonderfully long finish.

Press Notes:

"A delicious, perfumed wine, with exotic flavours of black plums, violets and cinnamon. The fruit sits firmly on solid tannins and seems to have potential for medium-term ageing, say 10 to 15 years." (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, February 2001)