The 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port is a red proprietary blend produced in the Douro region of Portugal. Known for its rich, robust profile, this 2003 vintage has garnered high praise from multiple esteemed reviewers.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 96, highlighting its "lots of grape and raisin on the nose" and describing it as "full-bodied, chewy and lightly sweet." The review emphasizes its serious concentration and grip on the finish, noting that it is a quintessential young Vintage Port that will be best enjoyed after 2012.
Wine Enthusiast rated it even higher, with a score of 97. This reviewer praised its structure, richness, power, and opulence. According to the review, the wine features "cassis and black fig flavors, as well as sweet tannins," making it "delicious already," with a promise to remain so throughout its long life.
Wine & Spirits also lauded the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port, giving it a score of 95. The review describes it as a "beauty right now," with violet characteristics in color, scent, and texture. The wine's "long, dark fruit flavors" are balanced by persistent tannins and a "schisty scent of smoke off broken rock," suggesting it will sustain its quality for decades, with an optimal drinking window from 2028 to 2043.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provided an in-depth analysis, scoring it 95 as well. The wine was noted for its elegance, freshness, and nuance. Despite comparisons with other 2003 vintage ports, the Fonseca stood out for being more ready to drink now while still having room to age further. Mark Squires mentioned it has 92 grams of residual sugar and was aged for 21 months in wood.
Neal Martin's Wine Journal gave it a 93+ score, describing the wine's bouquet as "high-toned," with notes of dark cherries, fig, blueberry jam, and warm gravel. The palate is smooth and harmonious, with ripe, luscious dark berry fruit and a slightly smudged finish. The review suggests that it will improve with another decade in the bottle.
Finally, James Suckling rated the wine 97, noting its intense nose of blackberries, dried fruits, bark, mushroom, and crushed stone. He described it as "full-bodied, medium-sweet with chewy velvety tannins," and although it is approachable now, it is expected to be even better in five or six years.
In summary, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port is a highly acclaimed wine lauded for its complexity, richness, and aging potential. It is a robust and flavorful port that promises to evolve beautifully over the years.