Fonseca's 1994 Ex-Cellars (750ML)

100 WS / 98 DE / 97 RP / 17+ JR

#1 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 1997

Hold on to your hat. This is the best Fonseca since 1977, and it's probably even better than that classic vintage--more like the breathtaking 1948. Mind-blowing, with masses of color, aroma and fruit flavor. Smells like fermenting berries, boasting loads of crushed grape, violet and berry character. Big, full-bodied and very sweet, with tons of tannins and a sweet finish. Tannic and huge, it's a long-term, great Port. Best after 2012. 8,000 cases made. - James Suckling, Wine Spectator

Tight knit – not giving much away on the nose, but silky fruit is underlying. Pure berry fruit palate initially with a super-fine tannic superstructure rising in the mouth, revealing its freshness and purity on a really beautifully defined finish. There is great architecture here.-Richard Mayson, Decanter

One of the most spectacular 1994s, this opaque purple-colored wine is an exotic, flamboyant, ostentatious port. Extremely fragrant and pungent, with a flashy display of jammy cassis, pepper, licorice, and truffles, this port is an attention-grabber. Awesomely rich, and full-bodied, with superb length, richness, and overall balance, it possesses a huge mid-palate, layers of flavor, an unctuous texture, and a blockbuster finish. Everything is in place, with the brandy and tannin well-integrated, even concealed by the masses of fruit and glycerin. This wine will drink fabulously well at age ten, but keep for up to thirty years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2035. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Very closed in comparison with the 1995 Guimaraens – stately and dense. Hints of spice, fruit-cake, violets and blossom. Pure, focused, very ripe and youthful – beautiful red fruit preserve flavours, and impressive length. Still extremely young and hasn't even begun to hint at much secondary character on the palate yet. -Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson