Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2019
(Portugal) - [WS 96, #66 Top 100] [JS 96] [DM 95] [WE 94]

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Vintage:

This unusually dry year was counter-balanced by cooler than usual summer conditions which left vines struggling to achieve full ripeness of their fruit, however, perfectly timed heaven-sent showers on August 25th immediately began to recover lagging maturations. The vintage started on September 9th and continued for a month as different grape varieties reaching peak maturity at different times, resulting in fantastic concentration from the Touriga Nacional and expressive aromas from the Touriga Franca. Freshness and liveliness, in contrast to the concentration of recent years, are the hallmarks of this vintage.

Tasting Note:

Typical blackcurrant and lavender aromas with traces of fennel, whose fragrance is often carried by the breeze in the vineyards at Vesúvio. On the palate the wine delivers mouth-filling ripe black fruit flavours; opulent and velvety, although with substantial volume and weighty structure. Very polished tannins provide a satisfyingly long, silky finish.

96 Points, Rank #66 Top 100 Wines of 2022 - Wine Spectator:
"This is really vivid, with a beautiful range of cassis, cherry purée, boysenberry coulis and plum reduction notes unfurling across the palate while succulent licorice, warm fruitcake and enticing red and black tea notes sing back up. The long, refined finish has plenty in reserve for the long haul. One of the stars of the vintage. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet and Tinta Amarela. Best from 2040 through 2060." - James Molesworth (Dec 2021)

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of cassis and dark plums with chocolate, bark and nut shell undertones. Hints of wet stones and graphite, too. Sweet and viscous palate with a full body and layers of plush, finely polished tannins. Structured and firm with a lingering, chalky finish. Better after 2026." (1/18/23)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A blend of 35% Touriga Nacional, 33% Touriga Franca, 18% Alicante Bouschet, 8% vinha velha (field blend) and 6% Tinta Amarela: very deep inky black colour; closed and dense on the nose, underlying restrained plummy opulence and ripeness which opened up after a week or so on ullage; rich, suave and velvety initially on the palate with full, ripe tannins building steadily in the mouth leading to a big, ripe, supple finish. Complete." - Richard Mayson (Nov. 2021)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"One of the Douro's grandest quintas has produced a powerful, structured wine that shows concentration and density. The aromas and dark fruits speak to the Touriga Nacional in the blend, giving a Port that is destined for long-term aging. Drink from 2030."