1997 Fonseca, Port, Portugal

Fonseca is, in fact, a partner to its rival, Taylor's though the two brands have kept their separate identities. Long-lived, the vintage wines are renowned for their quality and intensity of fruit, sheer opulence, structure and balance to last for decades. Fonseca is without doubt a top name and one that everyone should aspire to try. It is not without reason that Fonseca is described as the Margaux of the Douro; its wines have a femininity and grace that never flatter to deceive.

The 1997 is a perfect example; combining fresh aromatics and layers of berry fruit flavours with a firm but unobtrusive tannic structure. Enormously concentrated and perfectly balanced, this wine is archetypical Fonseca: proof, if proof were needed, that David Guimaraens has inherited all of his father's legendary winemaking skills.

Drink now to 2050