1977 Port

The 77s are starting to come round now, their evolution of late a little more rapid than some may have predicted a decade ago, but still very fine wines. Dow, of course, the most puritanical and upstanding of the Symington Houses, always produces a wine worthy of long cellaring and rigorous intellectual scrutiny on opening. I suspect the 77 will not disappoint; the tannins have softened with great dignity and the fruit is still wonderfully present and perfectly balanced within the ensemble.
(Simon Field MW - BBR Buyer)

When last tasted in November 2010, the Fonseca impressed with both its charm, about which we knew, but also its structural power, about which we may have been less sure. The 1977s Port wines were much lauded on release, but one or two questions were asked as to whether they would indeed, as expected, last the course in the manner of the greatest vintages. Tasting, inter alia, the Fonseca, was therefore reassuring: the black fruits, cassis and morello, are still evidenced, the spirit has integrated nicely and there is gentle spice on the finish. Fonseca's famous elegance pervades, effortless and evanescent.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)