PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s). 2012 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L 2013 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L 2 Bottles Port Wine DESCRIPTION Since 1815 producing the best and most iconic port wines Fonseca is the only Port house with four 100 Point scoring wines. Perhaps more than any other Port producer, Fonseca has built a loyal community of Port enthusiasts who value its individuality and the inimitable character of its wines. From the legendary 1840, Fonseca's first Vintage Port release, to the superb declared vintages of the last decade, the house has produced a succession of highly acclaimed wines even in the most adverse moments of history. James Suckling, in his authoritative book on Vintage Port, put it as follows: 'The vintage Ports of Fonseca are perhaps the most consistently great of them all. Not only do they have a striking fleshiness and powerful richness when young, but they retain that youthfulness for decades.' This consistency derives not only from continuity of family involvement, and the knowledge and skill passed down from one generation to the next, but also a close link with the vineyard. The firm's three estates of Cruzeiro, Panascal and Santo António are the heart of the distinctive character of Fonseca's Vintage Ports. Fonseca's respect for the vineyard and the unique environment of the Douro Valley expresses itself in the firm's leadership in the field of sustainable and organic viticulture. It was the first house to offer a Port made entirely from organically produced grapes. WINEMAKER: David Guimaraens. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 95-96 Points, James Suckling (2012 Vintage) 93 Points, Robert Parker (2012 Vintage) 93 Points, Wine Spectator (2012 Vintage) 93 Points, Wine Spectator (2013 Vintage) 93 Points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage) 92 Points, VertdeVin (2013 Vintage) 18 Points, Revista de Vinhos (2013 Vintage) 17 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2013 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Old Vines. VINIFICATION In certain years when there is no classic Fonseca Vintage Port, a Guimaraens Vintage Port may be made instead. Guimaraens Vintage Ports nevertheless share the origins, heritage and complex fruity style of the classic Fonseca vintages and are drawn from the produce of the same three estates. They differ only in that they are more approachable, ready to drink earlier. 2012 TASTING NOTES Deep ruby color with fine purple rim. On the nose it presents an impressive depth and intensity of fruit. Elegant and complex berry aromas intertwined with discreet balsamic and resinous notes of garrigue, cistus and wild plants. In the mouth the black fruit flavors show surprising freshness and a thick, tight mesh of tannins provides both structure and volume. Wonderful, very long finish of juicy cassis and raspberry flavors. This seductive and balanced 2012 Guimaraens perfectly combines the depth and exuberance of Quinta do Panascal with the well-delineated fruit and intoxicating perfume of the Pinhão valley. 2013 TASTING NOTES A vivid magenta rim surrounds an opaque purple almost black core. The 2013 Guimaraens displays the opulent fruit character that defines Fonseca's style. The nose opens with a surge of powerful and intense woodland berry aromas, rich and juicy but with no signs of over ripeness. Notes of apricot emerge as the wine opens in the glass, followed by warmer notes of cedar, smoke and dark chocolate. A tinge of discreet floral and herbal aromas contribute additional dimension and complexity. In the mouth the palate is virtually overwhelmed by rich black berry flavors and the dense, compact tannins that provide impressive volume and abundance. Illusively velvety after attack, the tannins emerge on the finish with a firm and confident grip. This is a Vintage Port whose seductive, hedonistic fruitiness makes it an excellent choice for earlier consumption but which has a structure and vigor that will ensure it a long life in bottle. SERVING Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue-veined and other richly flavored cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savor the rich and complex flavors of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company. Vintage Port forms a natural deposit in the bottle and should be decanted. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. With time, the cork may become fragile and opening the bottle requires careful treatment. We recommend the use of a Bi-blade corkscrew that will avoid breaking the natural cork, especially one that is older than ten years of age. Pour the wine in a slow, steady stream into a decanter, ensuring that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind. Serve at 16ºC to 18ºC. Vintage Port is best drunk one to two days after opening.