Quinta do Vesuvio, Douro

Symington's Quinta do Bomfim - Tour and tasting (Pinhāo, Portugal) : A recent library release. Still dark ruby in color. Dried dark and red fruit, prune, dried cherry, dried black currant, chocolate, coffee, leather, tobacco, spices, and earth, with medium-level acidity, chocolaty, partly resolved tannin, and very good length. Medium- to full-bodied, with good concentration. Drinks very well at its current stage, and will also keep. Superior to the 2017.

To clarify, this was not a Port but a dry Douro red blend. Last of 2 of this one which we brought back from Portugal. Great alternative for an Italian or Bordeaux Cab lover.

Purchased for $58. After a wonderful afternoon at the Grande Tasting, I wanted something special for the evening so when I saw this, I grabbed it. I've "waxed poetic" about Quinta do Vesuvio in the past and their tradition and history. Suffice it to say, it's one of the most iconic estates in the Douro. This red is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca and 5% Tinta Amarela and is aged for 14mo in French oak barrels. …

My first crack at this wine. Day decant and consumed slowly over many hours. U think this would have been even better day two. Deep, dark inky ox-blood abyss. Full bodied. Some oak and vanilla on the nose. Think of a blueberry pie topped with vanilla ice cream. Enticing nose. Makes my mouth water. Tannin is present as is acidity but nicely balanced. Will no doubt improve with some additional cellar time. Tastes like the nose. The first several glasses …

Decanted for 30m & still evolving 2h later. Done for 16m in oak. Potent blackberry (not jammy), sour cherry, firm dry tannins. Phenomenal but I say (in my humble opinion) hold for a few more moons in your cellar to truly hit its peak.

Seemed very closed. Needs a good decant or at least an aerator.

Will wait 3 years for the next bottle

Drank at 67 Rich, deep, brooding, mouth coating