"Robert Parker 97/100
Fonseca has scored in both the 1991 and 1992 vintages. The 1992 is a majestic young port that should ultimately rival, perhaps even surpass this house's most recent great efforts (1985, 1977, 1970, 1963). This colossal vintage port reveals a nearly opaque black/purple color, and an explosive nose of jammy black fruits, licorice, chocolate, and spices. Extremely full-bodied and unctuously-textured, this multi-layered, enormously-endowed port reveals a finish that lasts for over a minute. It is a magnificent port that will age well for 30-40 years. Reviewed February 1995
Richard Mayson, Decanter.com 16.5/20
Mid-deep colour with a youthful pink rim. An awkward nose, still not giving much away with underlying depth. Rich and fleshy, not as big as some its peers but this wine has balance and elegance. Powerful. Drinking Window 2013 – 2030. Reviewed Oct 2012"
Fonseca was founded in 1815 and is regarded as one of the most stylistically consistent of the classic Vintage Port houses. Every one of its Vintage Ports has been made by five generations of the Guimaraens family since its foundation. Fonseca produces one of the most exotic and aromatically powerful of all Vintage Ports. The heady opulence of a mature Fonseca Vintage is almost intoxicating in its power and complexity and it is this remarkable aromatic potential which ensures the longevity of the Fonseca Vintage Ports. The cornerstone of the Fonseca vintage blend is Quinta do Panascal, the firm’s famous estate located on the steep slopes of the Távora Valley. The wines of Fonseca’s two quintas in the Pinhão Valley, Cruzeiro and Santo António, are also traditional components of the blend.
The winter of 1991/92 was drier than usual. This dry weather continued during the spring, with only light rains in April and May. In May, flowering occurred earlier than usual, and the warmth at the end of the month ensured good berry formation. A long and hot summer was interrupted by some heavy rains in late August and also in September.
Harvest began a week later than elsewhere in the region, on September 28, and was rewarded by a perfectly ripe crop. The vintage notes written on October 10 reported: "The acidity balance is excellent and this, combined with the high sugar levels and very good color extraction, has resulted in musts of exceptional quality. The weather during the harvest has been ideal for wine production."
