The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Wine Description
The Story
As well as Fonseca and Guimaraens Vintage Ports, blended from the wines of all three of its properties, the firm also offers rich, velvety single quinta Vintage Ports made entirely from the produce of Quinta do Panascal. These are a pure expression of the estate's terroir. Like Guimaraens Vintage Ports, they are made in years producing softer more approachable wines which do not need to be cellared for a long time before being enjoyed.
Located on the steep right bank of the Távora River, Panascal is one of the most highly reputed vineyards in the Douro Valley. In the words of a local saying, 'From Roncão and Panascal come the finest wines of Portugal'. Since its acquisition by the company in 1978 the estate has been the object of major investment intended, not only to bring new life to the vineyard, but to ensure that the estate produces outstanding wines which today form the backbone of the Fonseca Vintage Port blend. The wines of Quinta do Panascal are rich, with voluptuous fruitiness, mouth filling density and a velvety texture.
Wine Information
The winter preceding the 2005 harvest was extremely cold and dry leaving the reserves of water severely depleted after an already dry and hot 2004.
The growing season started later than usual as a result of the cold weather and the shortage of water. The whole growing season was marked by lower vigour and small berry size for all grape varieties. From May 16th until 6th September there was no further rain. However, in spite of the extreme heat and drought like conditions, the ripening process continued normally, although at a slower pace than usual. Fortunately, the dry summer conditions were relieved by steady rainfall between 6th and 9th September, giving the vines the critical relief that they needed, enabling them to complete the ripening process and deliver a perfectly ripe and well balanced crop.