2016 Fonseca and Taylor's Vintage Port

• • 98
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  2016 Fonseca Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
  On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
  97 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
  96 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
  98 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 96
  • 98
  • 97
  • 97

  2016 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20.5%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
  On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
  97 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
  96 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
  98 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
  97 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 97
  • 100
  • 96
  • 98

  2016 Taylors Vintage Port (375ml)

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $130. 00

  Bottle

  $1560.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2018 this stunning vintage Port displays a magnificent saturated inky black core with a very deep bright dark red black hue. Potent aromas of ripe Morello cherries and liquorice allsorts waft out of the glass followed by a mix of vanillin confectionary, marzipan and spicy raisined brandy spirit. Rich and luscious yet elegant and long with a feeling of freshness on the finish, the palate is engulfed with Morello cherry and liquorice flavour that show incredible power. Finely integrated brandy spirit, vanillin characters, raisins and subtle spicy marzipan provide complexity. Firmly built tannins are clearly present and a touch more drying than those of the Fonseca, providing some grip to the intense fruit. The epic, hedonistic aftertaste lingers on the palate long after the wine is swallowed.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port was originally seen about a week before bottling in a more unsettled incarnation. It is now in the USA and showing in a rather forward fashion for Taylor's. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. This is a pleasure just to smell, with its hints of herbs, eucalyptus and blackberries. Some more time in bottle has made this a classic Port from start to finish in terms of aromatics and flavors. In my almost-40-year history of Port drinking, Taylor's was and is always one of my benchmarks for what a Port should taste and smell like. This delivers all that in spades.
  Now, it is not the most powerful or massive Taylor's. Dry and a bit tense after it sat in the glass for an hour, this finished with moderate bang and pop a couple of hours later. I've certainly seen young Taylor's with more intensity. A creature of its vintage, it is a very elegant Port with a touch of understatement. It shows off focus and freshness more than jammy richness. If it is not quite as tightly wound as in some years, the typical profile is still there and the structure is still very good. Indeed, some two days after opening it did not lose any power. The Fonseca is probably more powerful in the Fladgate Group offerings in this vintage (and, perhaps, the somewhat deeper Taylor's balances the tannins differently), but the fruit here is even more gorgeous and seductive. Indeed, the fruit is often sensational, the biggest bragging point here. I gave it a couple of extra days open to be sure just how lovely it was. It was particularly closed on the first pours, when many young Ports are exuberant. It eventually became far more expressive. How you evaluate this will depend on what you most want in Port. If you want that old-school vibe, perhaps Fonseca will serve you better this year. If you want to drool over sensational fruit, this will work just fine. You'll think I'm being stingy.
  Given how precocious it seems just now—it certainly won't make your mouth turn immediately to cotton and your tongue seize up—the fruit is so good that some will dare to drink it now. (If you do, you can unfriend me on Facebook and the rest of social media, not that I'm judgmental or anything.) Harmony and complexity will still take time; there is no shortcut for complexity and harmony. Overall, the purity and flavor make this rise above the crowd. How far above still remains to be seen. I'd like to see more proof of development here around 2030, more evidence that this will fulfill all of its potential.
  96 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  In 2016 Taylor's began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost "arching" structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port. Production is 6,200 cases.
  97 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor's I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.
  100 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This is packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors that play off one another, melding with anise, fruitcake and ganache notes. A warm tarry edge coats the finish, revealing an echo of bramble. A seriously grippy, strapping Port, this revels in its power. Best from 2032 through 2055. 6,200 cases made.
  98 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 97
  • 100
  • 96
  • 98

  2016 Taylors Vintage Port

  Douro Valley, PORTUGAL

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

  ABV: 20%

  Closure: Cork

  Bottled in 2018 this stunning vintage Port displays a magnificent saturated inky black core with a very deep bright dark red black hue. Potent aromas of ripe Morello cherries and liquorice allsorts waft out of the glass followed by a mix of vanillin confectionary, marzipan and spicy raisined brandy spirit. Rich and luscious yet elegant and long with a feeling of freshness on the finish, the palate is engulfed with Morello cherry and liquorice flavour that show incredible power. Finely integrated brandy spirit, vanillin characters, raisins and subtle spicy marzipan provide complexity. Firmly built tannins are clearly present and a touch more drying than those of the Fonseca, providing some grip to the intense fruit. The epic, hedonistic aftertaste lingers on the palate long after the wine is swallowed.
  Cellar 15-20 years plus.
  Alc. 20%

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Vintage Port was originally seen about a week before bottling in a more unsettled incarnation. It is now in the USA and showing in a rather forward fashion for Taylor's. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. This is a pleasure just to smell, with its hints of herbs, eucalyptus and blackberries. Some more time in bottle has made this a classic Port from start to finish in terms of aromatics and flavors. In my almost-40-year history of Port drinking, Taylor's was and is always one of my benchmarks for what a Port should taste and smell like. This delivers all that in spades.
  Now, it is not the most powerful or massive Taylor's. Dry and a bit tense after it sat in the glass for an hour, this finished with moderate bang and pop a couple of hours later. I've certainly seen young Taylor's with more intensity. A creature of its vintage, it is a very elegant Port with a touch of understatement. It shows off focus and freshness more than jammy richness. If it is not quite as tightly wound as in some years, the typical profile is still there and the structure is still very good. Indeed, some two days after opening it did not lose any power. The Fonseca is probably more powerful in the Fladgate Group offerings in this vintage (and, perhaps, the somewhat deeper Taylor's balances the tannins differently), but the fruit here is even more gorgeous and seductive. Indeed, the fruit is often sensational, the biggest bragging point here. I gave it a couple of extra days open to be sure just how lovely it was. It was particularly closed on the first pours, when many young Ports are exuberant. It eventually became far more expressive. How you evaluate this will depend on what you most want in Port. If you want that old-school vibe, perhaps Fonseca will serve you better this year. If you want to drool over sensational fruit, this will work just fine. You'll think I'm being stingy.
  Given how precocious it seems just now—it certainly won't make your mouth turn immediately to cotton and your tongue seize up—the fruit is so good that some will dare to drink it now. (If you do, you can unfriend me on Facebook and the rest of social media, not that I'm judgmental or anything.) Harmony and complexity will still take time; there is no shortcut for complexity and harmony. Overall, the purity and flavor make this rise above the crowd. How far above still remains to be seen. I'd like to see more proof of development here around 2030, more evidence that this will fulfill all of its potential.
  96 points
  Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

  In 2016 Taylor's began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost "arching" structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port. Production is 6,200 cases.
  97 points
  Neal Martin - Vinous

  OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor's I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.
  100 points
  jamessuckling.com

  This is packed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors that play off one another, melding with anise, fruitcake and ganache notes. A warm tarry edge coats the finish, revealing an echo of bramble. A seriously grippy, strapping Port, this revels in its power. Best from 2032 through 2055. 6,200 cases made.
  98 points
  James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

  Delivery Information