Bin No. 27 is produced primarily from grapes from Fonseca’s own quintas in the Cima Corgo—exceptional fruit that results in a wine of high quality and consistency from year to year. In the winery, the newly developed, robotic “Port Toes” technology for treading the grapes allows the winery to maximize the quality of the fruit by imitating the traditional action of human feet and avoiding damage to the bitter grape seeds. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. A ruby-style Porto blended from reserve wines selected for their intense depth of color and fruit character, Bin No. 27 is aged for four years in neutral wood vats before bottling.

Tasting notes

This sweet wine shows fresh, rich blackberry and cassis aromas. On the palate, it has a well-knit structure, with a velvety, luscious mouthfeel and smooth tannins.

Rating

May 2011 Ultimate Wine Challenge

Wine maker notes

Fonseca Bin No. 27 was created over a century ago for family consumption, and only released commercially in 1972. It is produced primarily from wines from Fonseca's own quintas in the Cima Corgo and thus shows an exceptional quality and consistency from year to year. Blended from reserve wines selected for their intense fruit character and depth of color, Fonseca Bin No. 27 spends four years in large wood vats prior to bottling. Although it may improve slightly with bottle age, Bin No. 27 is ready to consume when bottled. It does not require decanting, as a cold precipitation prior to bottling prevents any "crust" from forming. Fonseca Bin No. 27 is one of the most widely consumed vintage character ports in the United States, and Fonseca's standard bearer worldwide. Its well-knit structure, rich, velvety full body and luscious blackcurrant and cherry flavors, also evident in the nose, carry into an intense, lingering finish. Bin No. 27 should be served at room temperature either alone or with simple, classic last courses and desserts. It is best consumed within two weeks after uncorking.

Food pairing

This wine pairs well with strong-flavored hard cheeses--a good farmhouse Cheddar or an aged Gouda would be perfect. It is delicious with desserts made with dark chocolate or berries. Made to be enjoyed immediately, without further aging.