2008 Fonseca Guimaraens

Guimaraens vintage port is produced from the same three Fonseca vineyards (quintas) in the Cima Corgo which provide the backbone of Fonseca’s vintage ports in declared years. Quinta de Santo António, Quinta do Cruzeiro, and Quinta do Panascal. All three properties are A-rated, which is the highest quality accolade for vineyards in the Douro. While somewhat earlier-maturing than Fonseca vintage ports, the fundamental difference between these and Guimaraens vintage ports lies in the latters’ upbringing. These are aged in Fonseca’s lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and are only released upon reaching maturity, which may be a decade or more after the vintage date. Beautifully structured and perfectly balanced, Guimaraens Vintage Ports show Fonseca’s superb marriage of power and breed.