The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port, produced by Fonseca in the Douro region of Portugal, is a compelling proprietary blend that embodies the richness and intensity characteristic of high-quality vintage ports. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 20.5%, has garnered exceptional reviews from multiple respected wine critics.
James Suckling awarded this wine a near-perfect score of 98 points, highlighting its robust profile with "lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones." Suckling describes the wine as "full-bodied, tannic, and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity," recommending it be opened from 2025 onwards for optimal enjoyment.
Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Mark Squires, gave the 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port a score of 97. Squires notes that this vintage is "more tightly wound than the Taylor's," and praises its "beautiful fruit" and finely tuned balance. He mentions that it was aged for 20 months in wood and contains 99 grams of residual sugar, contributing to its well-rounded character.
Wine Spectator's J.M. also rated this port 97 points, remarking on its complex flavor profile that starts with "bramble, spearmint, and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry, and fig fruit." The finish is noted for its "strong graphite spine," making it both stylish and deep. J.M. suggests that this wine will be at its best from 2030 through 2055.
Roger Voss from Wine Enthusiast also gave a 97-point score, emphasizing the wine's "fine structure with great fruit" that promises longevity. Voss points out the balance achieved by ripe berry flavors sustained by acidity, recommending it for drinking starting in 2028.
Lastly, Decanter's review highlights the wine's initial "closed and withdrawn" nose, which eventually reveals "firm, sweet cassis and berry fruit, with classic dark chocolate intensity at the core." The review stresses the wine's "broad yet tight-knit peppery tannins" leading to a "big, grippy finish," predicting a promising future.
In summary, the 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port is a powerful, well-structured wine praised for its intense fruit flavors and aging potential. With exceptional reviews across the board, this vintage is a standout choice for port enthusiasts.