The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by: Mark Squires
The 2001 Vinha do Fojo (Quinta do Fojo) is an old-vine field blend aged for 12 months in French oak (60% new, the rest used). Of the Vinha do Fojos reviewed in this issue, this is probably the best and most balanced, although the 1996 is drinking much better right now. That said, it's still an old-school powerhouse.
One problem with rating these wines (especially young) is that the tannins can be hard and dominate. I took a cautious approach and was too conservative in my initial rating. This time the wine had also been open for a few days, which helped. In many ways it's still too young, not as interesting as the 1996 (though one day it will be, and will probably surpass it).
It has great acidity and a lush texture, the best concentration and freshest fruit of the vertical, along with the brand's typical big tannins. Even now it adds wonderful complexity. It's intriguing and intellectual. If you're after something hedonistic, though, this probably isn't the wine. Focused, penetrating and powerful, it needs food to really shine. It should have a long life ahead and is still evolving. It may well exceed my expectations.
To my pleasant surprise, the reported standard retail price was only US$60. Well worth it. It's so good it practically belies the supposed difference in rank between Fojo and Vinha do Fojo. 21,000 bottles were produced.
These older wines in the Vinha do Fojo series are mostly scheduled for re-release, so they're not just (largely) historic bottlings. As I write, I've had confirmation that vertical cases of Vinha do Fojo (with the four vintages reviewed here) would be released in the US, along with the 1998 and 2001 sold separately (the 2001 being one of the greats); and the 1998 would also be available in its own special case with two 750 ml bottles and one three-litre bottle.