Fonseca belongs in the first rank of Vintage Port houses. It is recognised for the stylistic consistency of its wines which have been made by five generations of the same family since the firm’s foundation in 1822. Fonseca Vintage Ports are noted for their expressive, luscious fruitiness, which develops great opulence and complexity with age, as well as a voluptuous roundness on the palate supported by velvety mouth-filling tannins.

Early budburst, coupled with a very hot summer, resulted in the earliest vintage in a generation, and the wine superb. The very deep colour heralds a burst of red and black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and earth spice on the bouquet. The succulent black fruits paint every corner and crevice of the mouth, towering over the tannins, acidity and spirit. The amazing result is a wine of balance and length that opens up a fresh finish without so much as even a hint of dead fruit. Drink to: 2047; Price: $300.00; Alcohol: 20%; Rating: 97 Points; James Halliday; Wine Companion

The wine's fine perfumed black plum fruits give a wonderful jammy character while bringing out a fresh edge. These are balanced by the dry core of this beautiful wine with its rich, generous tannins. It will all come together from 2030 in a very fine, integrated wine. Rating: 98 Points; Roger Voss; Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Dark and dense, with fig bread, baker’s chocolate and tar notes leading off before the core flavors of plum, black currant and blackberry paste finally start to emerge. The wild, spirited finish shows cast iron, licorice snap and roasted alder elements, delivering a decidedly chewy feel. A big, old-school, throwback Port that will age at a glacial pace. Best from 2035 through 2060. Rating: 97 Points; Wine Spectator

Sappy and sensational in flavor and fruit, this seemingly has moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish. Despite the first impression of moderation, there is plenty of power here. As it got some aeration, it showed nothing but power and closed down fairly hard. The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a potentially great Fonseca, but right now it is obviously immature and not showing everything it has. Rating: 96-98 Points; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate