1977 Fonseca Vintage Port

[Glenn E.]

Opened for a co-worker's Port and Sake Tasting birthday party at Sake Nomi in Pioneer Square. I decanted before work (~7:30 am) for a tasting to start at 2:00 pm. We didn't actually get to the Port until closer to 3:30, though, which turned out to be about perfect.

1977 Fonseca VP

Color: Deep ruby in the decanter; the stream while pouring has a pinker tone. No longer opaque, but pleasant.

Nose: Strawberry and some spirit. With effort, some darker stone fruits are still present.

Palate: Very rich and full of flavor. Strawberry, prune, and black cherry. There are even still some tannins, though they're not strong. There's a faint bitterness very late that really does nothing more than add depth to the profile, though it could evolve into something more. Silky smooth texture, but not what I would call full-bodied.

Finish: Lingers and is pleasant, but I wasn't able to get a good read at this tasting.

Score: 94 points. An outstanding Port, as usual, and still my favorite of the vintage. I've had better bottles, but can't tell if this example is simply bottle variation or if it's just getting past its prime. I certainly hope it's the former, as 39 years isn't old enough for a Port of this quality to be on the decline.