WTN: 1977 Fonseca

[David M. Bueker]

1977 Fonseca Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/17/2015)
Decanted 5 hours in advance, this was a very good but not great bottle of Port. The dominant aromatic and palate impression was cherry vanilla, supplemented by some subtle spice elements and a bit of finishing nuttiness. I was surprised that it was only light to medium bodied. It was very well integrated, and made for a very pleasant drinking experience, but it did not excite me.

I have never been a big fan of the 1977 Port vintage. As you say--pleasant but not exciting. At the time there was speculation that the houses only declared 1977 because the Portuguese government was making noises about nationalizing the Port industry, and if that had happened 1977 would have been the houses' last hurrah.

-Paul W.

I have a lone bottle of this in my cellar, purchased long ago as a single. How much longer do you think it can hold on, David? Based on your notes, it seems like a "sooner rather than later" drink, no?

[David M. Bueker]

I see no reason it is going to fall apart. Some folks I know who are very knowledgeable regarding Port have said the '77 Fonseca is quite variable, so your bottle may be much better than mine.

At the time there was speculation that the houses only declared 1977 because the Portuguese government was making noises about nationalizing the Port industry, and if that had happened 1977 would have been the houses' last hurrah.

I thought that was the 1975 vintage, which was definitely a weak vintage, and should have been made, at best, into single-quinta wines. Although I haven't had the '77 Fonseca, I had the '77 Taylor a number of years ago, and thought it would be great (it was pretty wonderful. at the time, although still young).

I see no reason it is going to fall apart. Some folks I know who are very knowledgeable regarding Port have said the '77 Fonseca is quite variable, so your bottle may be much better than mine.

Thanks very much.

I've had a couple of great 77 Fonsecas and a couple of just mediocre bottles. Taylor the same way, Grahams all so, so, Dows have all been great. I have no explanation. Maybe somebody else can add to the thread.

Thanks, Ted. Yes, I was thinking of 1975.

As Emily Litella said, "never mind."

-Paul W.

My only experience with '77 VP was a Dow Silver Jubilee bottle several years ago. My notes indicate that it was cooked.