Fonseca Port, 2022

Fonseca Guimaraens Single Quinta Vintage Port
Please allow 10 days for delivery

Description and Reviews:
The 2022 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port is a testament to the expertise and tradition of one of the most esteemed port houses in the Douro Valley. This vintage, crafted in the Guimaraens style, showcases a perfect balance of aromatic richness, silky texture, and opulent ripe black fruit character. Designed to reflect the essence of Fonseca’s heritage, it offers an exceptional blend of elegance, complexity, and power.

Tasting Notes
The wine presents itself with a deep, opaque purple core and a vibrant magenta rim, immediately signaling its intensity and youthfulness. On the nose, an enticing bouquet of woodland berries, including cassis, blackberry, and wild strawberries, takes center stage, accompanied by delicate apricot undertones. As it opens, warmer nuances of cedar, spice, and dark chocolate emerge, embodying Fonseca's signature richness and depth.

On the palate, the 2022 Guimaraens is lush and layered, with interwoven flavors of ripe berries, wild herbs, and star anise. Subtle hints of raspberry leaf, cocoa nibs, and tangerine peel add complexity, while a firm backbone of tannins provides structure. The silky texture leads to a long, satisfying finish, making this vintage both approachable in its youth and promising for long-term aging.

2022 Vintage Report
The 2022 growing season presented significant challenges, with extreme heat and drought defining much of the year. A dry winter was followed by a wet March, which provided essential water reserves for the vines. However, the subsequent spring and summer were exceptionally dry, with several heatwaves culminating in a peak temperature of 46.5°C in Pinhão. These conditions resulted in small, concentrated berries with an excellent juice-to-skin ratio, ideal for producing high-quality port. The harvest began in early September, with a brief period of rainfall aiding in the final stages of grape maturation.

Notably, the 2022 vintage marked the return of traditional foot treading in Fonseca's lagares, a practice temporarily paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. This traditional method of winemaking, integral to the production of vintage ports, contributed to the exceptional quality of the Guimaraens blend.

Cellaring Potential
While the 2022 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port is vibrant and approachable now, it is built for longevity. Proper cellaring will allow it to mature gracefully over decades, developing further complexity and revealing tertiary notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Its bold flavors pair beautifully with rich, blue-veined cheeses like Stilton or Gorgonzola, as well as dried fruits such as apricots and figs. It can also be savored on its own to fully appreciate its intricacies and craftsmanship.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the 2022 Guimaraens Vintage Port is a masterpiece that reflects the unique terroir of the Douro Valley and Fonseca's unwavering dedication to excellence. This vintage is not only a celebration of the house’s legacy but also a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive, even in the face of challenging conditions.


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