The fruit on the nose is sweet and ripe the palate has depth a rich mix of black fruits. There is mid generosity supple and smooth the chocolate richness well balanced by underlying freshness a complex mix of bilberry and cassis. Ripe fruit gives richness and power on the back palate yet there is enough freshness to give a stylish elegance on the finish. 2032-48
The 2015 Guimaraens Vintage Port is a field blend coming in at 101 grams per liter of residual sugar. This was a tank sample when seen, out of barrel, the final blend and awaiting bottling in a couple of weeks. It should be released by the time this article appears. This is the blend Fonseca releases when there is no "classic" vintage declaration. It is usually intended to be approachable a bit earlier, much like a second wine. It seems pretty impressive this year, though. Round, big and lush, it might well be the best of the 2015s from the Fladgate Partnership, especially on the hedonism scale. It also seems to be the most concentrated of the Fladgate Partnership's wines this issue, full bodied and mouth coating. With air, this shows plenty of tannins underneath, too, but the mid-palate depth balances everything perfectly. Underneath that first rush of everything is intensely flavorful and fresh 2015 fruit. That's what this vintage tends to deliver. As relatively fat as this is in its youth, it also seems relatively dry this year. This has a long life ahead and the potential for significant development. It may be approachable on the younger side, but I'd personally like to put it away for at least 15 years (from vintage date). It quite possibly needs considerably more cellar time, particularly depending on how much complexity you demand. (I personally tend to lean to longer in my own tastes, but each to his own.) It should age very well, too. Winemaker David Guimaraens told me that he "guaranteed" at least 50 years from vintage date. I think he's right, but let's check back in with him around 2065 and jeer if he is wrong. This is a can't-miss bargain at the price. Drink 2030 - 2065.
Very deep purple colour. The nose here is spicy with cooked blackberry, damson, tar and clove all layered with more lifted floral notes. The palate is dense and concentrated with firm and chewy tannins providing a backbone for longevity for laying down. Underneath the structure the fruit core is rich, powerful and ripe – pure bramble fruits and full of spice. The finish is peppery and more savoury in character. A serious wine that will warrant plenty of time in bottle.