Fonseca Bin 27 Port is a reserve ruby port from Portugal's Douro Valley, bottled at 20% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 90 points by both Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate, Bin 27 stands as one of the most consistently lauded reserve rubies on the market, built around a core blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Quick Facts: ABV: 20% | Origin: Cima Corgo, Douro Valley, Portugal | Reserve Ruby Port | Producer: Fonseca Production & Heritage Fonseca is one of the Douro's most storied Port houses, with roots tracing back to 1815 and vineyards concentrated in the prized Cima Corgo sub-region. Bin 27 draws from a field blend that includes roughly 20% each of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, supplemented by Tinta Cão and Tinta Barroca — the classic quintet of premium Douro grapes. A notable production detail is Fonseca's use of robotic "Port Toes" technology, which replicates the gentle action of traditional foot-treading to extract color and flavor without crushing the bitter grape seeds. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all residual sugar has been consumed, preserving the wine's natural sweetness and concentration. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with an intense wave of ripe blackberry and cassis, followed by layers of dark plum and dried cherry. Subtle undercurrents of black pepper, chocolate, and dried herbs like thyme and wild fennel add aromatic complexity. Taste: The entry is immediately full-bodied and plush, with juicy blueberry and açaí berry flavors leading into a mid-palate rich with purple plum and dark cassis. Firm, mouth-filling tannins provide structure without harshness, while the velvety texture carries a polished, luscious quality that speaks to Fonseca's house style. Finish: The finish is long and generous, with lingering black fruit, a savory spice note, and a distinct jolt of black licorice. Schist-derived tannins firm up the close, keeping the sweetness in balance and encouraging another sip. How to Drink Bin 27 Bin 27 drinks beautifully at a slightly cool cellar temperature — around 16°C (61°F) — poured neat into a small tulip-shaped glass that concentrates its generous aromatics. It also rewards a light chill if served as a dessert wine on warmer evenings. Port Tonic: Equal parts Bin 27 and premium tonic over ice with a lemon twist — the wine's berry intensity stands up to the quinine bitterness. Portoni (Port Negroni): Substitute Bin 27 for sweet vermouth alongside gin and Campari; the port's dark fruit and residual sugar create a richer, more dessert-like variation. Chocolate Port Martini: Shake Bin 27 with vodka and crème de cacao — the wine's inherent chocolate and plum notes make it a natural fit. Best For After-dinner sipping alongside a cheese course or dark chocolate dessert Introducing someone unfamiliar with Port to the category's richness Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates classic Douro producers Stocking a home bar with a versatile fortified wine for cocktails and neat pours alike Frequently Asked Questions What does Bin 27 taste like? Bin 27 delivers a concentrated profile of ripe blackberry, cassis, dark plum, and blueberry, supported by velvety tannins and a long finish marked by black licorice and savory spice. It is full-bodied and plush, with noticeable sweetness balanced by firm structure. How does Bin 27 compare to Graham's Six Grapes? Both are widely available reserve ruby Ports, but Bin 27 tends toward a rounder, more fruit-forward style with softer tannins, while Graham's Six Grapes is often described as slightly more structured and tannic. Both have earned scores in the high-80s to low-90s from major critics, making them direct competitors at a similar quality tier. Is Bin 27 good for beginners? Bin 27 is an excellent entry point into reserve ruby Port — its generous fruit, smooth texture, and balanced sweetness make it immediately approachable. The 90-point scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate confirm it also has enough depth to satisfy experienced Port drinkers. Where is Bin 27 made? Bin 27 is produced by Fonseca, one of Portugal's most respected Port houses, using grapes sourced primarily from the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro Valley. Cima Corgo sits in the heart of the Douro and is widely considered one of the finest areas for premium Port production. What foods pair well with Bin 27? Aged Stilton or Roquefort, where the wine's sweetness contrasts the cheese's salt and funk. Dark chocolate truffles, which mirror Bin 27's cocoa and berry notes. Roasted walnuts or pecans, whose toasty richness complements the port's body. Crème brûlée, where the caramelized sugar and custard align with the wine's plush fruit. Charcuterie with fig preserves also works, bridging the savory and sweet elements. What sizes does Bin 27 come in? Fonseca Bin 27 is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though some markets carry a 1-liter format as well. Is Bin 27 worth the price? Bin 27 positions as a premium reserve ruby Port that consistently punches above its price tier in critical scoring — 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate is exceptional for a widely available, non-vintage fortified wine. It represents strong value within the reserve ruby category. Why Bin 27? Fonseca's proprietary robotic "Port Toes" treading technology sets Bin 27 apart at the production level, faithfully replicating the gentle extraction of traditional foot-treading while avoiding the seed damage that can introduce harsh bitterness. The result is a reserve ruby with unusual textural polish — luscious and full without losing structural definition. Dual 90-point scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate place it at the top of its competitive set alongside Graham's Six Grapes and Sandeman Founders Reserve. For a non-vintage Port drawn from one of the Douro's most respected houses, Bin 27 delivers a depth of flavor and consistency that has kept it a benchmark in the reserve ruby category for decades.
