Winery - Jose Maria da Fonseca
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This joint venture between the inspired winemaker Domingos Soares Franco and Cristiano van Zeller produces fascinatingly idiosyncratic wines. Big and bold, but then lean and tannic, with sunshine-filled fruit over dark tannins. Consumers wanting an action-packed wine, needing time to come together (when it will be superb), should go for this.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This clean, refreshing white features a floral, citrusy nose that never lets up. Orange blossom, tangerine and pineapple flavors fill out the midpalate, while the finish is crisp and tart.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Blending Touriga Nacional and Syrah, this personal blend is named after Domingos Soares Franco, the head winemaker at J.M. da Fonseca. The wine is big, fruity and perfumed, with black, ripe fruit flavors and a solid edge, finishing with dark chocolate.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A bright, fruity wine, with a layer of earthiness and gentle tannins. Flavors of red currants, beetroot and perfumed herbs meld together, while the lively acidity sets a good seal on the aftertaste.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
If Portugal’s third fortified wine (after Port and Madeira) can taste like this, it should be better known. Dark gold color, the wine has burnt, Maderized aromas. This is a wonderful old wine, with the youngest wine in the blend being 18 years old. Tastes of burnt old wood and old gold fruits complete a sensous experience. Sensibly, the wine also comes in half bottles. —R.V.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
It’s the French wood aging that gives this wine its Plus moniker. It brings out elegant perfumes, the black fruits rich and smooth, although there is always a core of Douro dry tannins. In its richness, it is possible to see a link with Port. On the finish, though, the acidity and dry tannins remind us of table wine.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
With what seems a stylistic change, this 2005 version of Periquita is firm, tannic, structured, with dark fruits and plenty of dry tannins. It is impressive for a big brand, dark and concentrated.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A signature wine created by Domingos Soares Franco of J.M. da Fonseca to celebrate Portuguese blends, this is superb, a powerhouse of complex flavors, fresh, dark and elegant all at the same time. It is firm but not overpowering, finished by smooth toast, dark and powerful.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is one of Portugal’s big brands. Soft, easy and juicy, this has just a touch of dryness and great, fresh aftertaste.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is one of two wines (and a Port) which are the product of a joint venture between Setúbal-based Domingos Soares Franco of J.M. da Fonseca and Cristiano van Zeller, a leading Port producer. It is a powerful, black-fruited wine with balanced new wood and tarry fruit flavors. Still young, its exudes potential with its layers of richness. The relatively high alcohol (14.5%) is held in check by the power of the fruit. —R.V.
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