Adrian Bridge explained that in 1996, Taylor Fladgate concentrated more on Guimaraens than the single-quinta Panascal. This was the last vintage in which this was the case: hereafter they responded to increased demand for single-quintas from the United States. The Fonseca Guimaraens 1996 has a very intense, powerful bouquet with blackberry, sloe, fresh figs and licorice. There are faint touches of toffee just underneath. The palate is well balanced with great structure and backbone with touches of raisin and white pepper towards the persistent, harmonious finish tinged with dates and raisin. This is a delightful, rather tenacious Guimaraens that is drinking beautifully now, but it will continue to offer pleasure for another fifteen years, possibly more. Drink now-2025.