1978 Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port

[Mahmoud Ali]

It's been a month since I had this so I apologize to those who advised the short decant in the Port Forum.

I decanted the port about 6:30-7 pm and drove to the dinner. I had paper and pen in my breast pocket and told the other guests to remind me to take notes. After the boatloads of wine the reminder was much appreciated. We probably had the port a little after 11:30 pm. With some descriptive suggestions I ended up with the following notes.

Mature, pale watery edges and a brick centre.
Perfumed and dusty, only slightly spirity nose, christmas cake, cherry, pruney, chocolate, coffee and mocha.
Tasty spirity attack with cherry fruit and followed by a firm finish with some tannin and depth to the finish. A light to medium-bodied port that may be described as on the waning side.

I would not say that this is a top flight port but for this vintage and it's 30 years it was a fine experience and offered plenty of interest.

Cheers...................Mahmoud

I should add that this bottle was autographed by Bruce Guimaraens in April 2002 when he was in Edmonton. I have attached a photograph of the bottle.

[Andy Velebil]

Mahmoud,
Good note and glad you were able to pen something on this as it isn't a Port I see a TN on very often. The few 78's I've had have been very similar to what you describe. I'd say there is no need to wait any longer on this vintage and it's time to slowly start drinking them up.

[Roy Hersh]

Mahmoud,

Wow, that is so cool that you have the signature! I am sure you know that unfortunately, Bruce died on Aug. 22nd of that same year (heart attack). I saw Bruce 3 and 4 days later than you did. Here is an article I wrote back then, with a photo of Bruce on the last tasting that I was at with him. I had attended quite a few together ... one at The Factory Hourse in Porto, others in NY and later, here in Seattle too. A great man!

Check this out if you are interested ... also in Canada:

http://www.wineloverspage.com/port/3centuries.phtml


Last but not least, would you please upload that photo to PORTraits? That would be very cool to have in there.