Description
Fonseca’s 1934 stands out as an exceptional wine from a split vintage spanning 1934 and 1935. Bottled by Hatch & Mansfield, this is an extremely rare Port, with even the library stock in the Fonseca lodge being very limited.
Still with a deep red core, the wine offers a reserved and refined character, revealing dark chocolate intensity on the nose and a fuller, more textured palate. It exudes lively elegance and freshness, with a subtle hint of salinity adding complexity. Beautifully defined soft berry fruit is perfectly balanced by fine, linear tannins, while a cherry stone freshness lingers gracefully on the finish. With lace-like finesse, remarkable energy, and enduring strength, this Fonseca is nothing short of spectacular—brimming with vitality and a testament to the outstanding quality of the 1934 vintage. TC 99 - Christies Dinner London November 2024 99point
Bottled by Hatch & Mansfield. This is an extremely rare Port, only occasionally seen at auction and the even the library stock in the Fonseca lodge is very limited.
Tasting note: More reserved, refined taste. Lively, elegant, fresh with a pretty slight salinity. An absolute fantastic Fonseca in a lace like finesse with lots of energy and bags of life. Great strength.
98p. April 2024. EV
Hidden Treasures: Raby Castle’s Vintage Port Collection
In the far northeast of England, nestled amidst the rolling countryside of County Durham, lies Raby Castle, a sprawling fortress with a history as rich as its architecture. In 2016, when Lord and Lady Barnard inherited this centuries-old estate, they could hardly have anticipated the remarkable discovery awaiting them in its labyrinthine cellars. Among the castle’s many stone bins, a forgotten treasure trove of 754 bottles of vintage port, undisturbed for up to a century, was uncovered.
A Castle of Layers and Secrets
Raby Castle is a fascinating mosaic of architectural eras—a collection of towers and additions, each representing the vision of a different generation. With over 100 rooms in varying stages of decay and restoration, the castle is both a historical marvel and a lived-in family home. The sheer scale of the building meant it likely took time for the Barnards to stumble upon the cache of vintage port stored in its cool, dark cellars.
A Legacy of Fine Vintages
The vintage port collection had been amassed by previous Lords Barnard, primarily for use as stirrup cups—a traditional pre-hunt drink. Judging by the number of bottles, they must have hunted frequently! When the Barnards enlisted the expertise of Christie’s wine specialists to examine the collection, they found that the bottles dated from 1950 back to 1924, with some of the most esteemed vintages miraculously preserved.
Among the highlights were Taylor’s 1948, Fonseca 1934, and Dow’s 1927 and 1924, alongside the comparatively youthful Cockburn 1950. For lovers of vintage port, the discovery was extraordinary—not just for its scale but for the rarity and quality of the wines.
The Cellar Records Tell a Tale
The castle’s beautifully maintained cellar books chronicle the history of the collection, documenting the consumption of bottles from the early 1900s through the 1960s. Sadly, earlier treasures, such as the 1908s and 1912s, were long gone, and even the 1924 vintage had been partially depleted, leaving only 36 bottles of this exceptional wine. However, the 200 bottles of Fonseca 1934 remained, an astonishing find that proved to be a standout when tasted at a special event in April.
An Exceptional Tasting Experience (summarised from participants reviews)
The tasting, held in the grand setting of Raby Castle, began with the Cockburn 1950. Although considered an "undistinguished" vintage by wine expert Michael Broadbent, it served as a pleasant prelude to the more celebrated wines. The Taylor’s 1948, described by Broadbent as "invariably magnificent," lived up to its reputation, showing remarkable depth and complexity, with the potential to evolve further.
The Fonseca 1934, crafted by the Guimaraens family, was a showpiece. The legacy of this family remains strong, with David Guimaraens now serving as head winemaker for The Fladgate Partnership, which owns Fonseca today. The Dow’s 1927 and 1924 vintages also showcased their historical charm. Despite its age, the 1924 exhibited a vividness and liveliness that was nothing short of extraordinary.
A Legacy Preserved
This incredible collection, once forgotten, has now been brought into the spotlight as a testament to the foresight and taste of the Barnard family’s predecessors. The vintage ports, lovingly stored in the castle’s stone bins, tell a story not just of winemaking excellence but of history, tradition, and the enduring allure of Raby Castle itself. As these bottles go up for sale, they offer port lovers and collectors alike the chance to own a piece of this remarkable legacy.
Condition
Provenance: Christies Sale Raby Castle Excellent condition. New Christie's Raby Castle labels based on archival material from Taylor Fladgate.