Impenetrable purple-black colour with a narrow magenta rim. Elegant and understated, still youthful and tight, with impressive depth and background. The nose opens with a surge of pure brambly woodland fruit and hints of apricot and prune. Although still relatively closed and austere, it gradually opens up to reveal discreet notes of leather and exotic wood and delicate scents of violet.

The full bodied palate is supported by a tight mesh of sinewy tannins and finishes with an assertive 'grip'. The intense dark berry fruit character of the nose re-emerges on the palate, lingering into the long finish. A beautifully harmonious wine, displaying all the fine quality of fruit which marks the Fonseca house style. Hugely pleasurable now but with the potential for further ageing in bottle.