Fonseca Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port 2008 (Portugal)

Description

Sweet

Opaque purple colour with narrow violet rim. The nose opens with an unrestrained surge of dense concentrated cassis and black cherry laced with a sumptuous confection of molasses and dark chocolate. As it develops, notes of damson and plum emerge from the seemingly impenetrable layer of dark berry fruit followed by heady scents of aromatic herbs and exotic notes of black pepper and sandalwood. On the palate the wines rich luscious fruitiness combines with the close grained and wonderfully integrated tannins to produce an unrestrained eruption of texture and flavour. The opulent black fruit flavours are seemingly endless and are lifted.

Quinta do Panascal is a substantial Grade A property located in the heart of the Tavora valley, in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro. The Quinta undertook an ambitious planting programme from 1987-1995 and is now one of the largest Quintas in the Douro valley, producing top quality port.

The 2008 winter was drier and colder than normal with only 258mm of rain falling at Pinho between November and March. Fortunately, a wet April ensured the ground water reserves were sufficiently replenished. Flowering occurred under wet and cold conditions and as a result poor set affected all grape varieties, resulting in lower yields, but with great concentration of flavour.