From: Portugal
Winemaking: Quinta do Vesuvio is arguably the most magnificent estate in the Douro valley. Located in the beautiful and austere Port-growing region of the Upper Douro valley, its history dates back to the 16th Century. All of the grapes are hand-picked, with a careful selection being made. Vesuvio is one of the very few estates in the Douro where all of the wines are made using the traditional treading method in granite lagares, among the largest in the Douro valley, and offered exclusively as a single Quinta Vintage Port. Classic, monumental wines with fabulous rich fruit character. Probably one of the best vintages of the 20th Century. General declaration. After a rigorous selection of the best lots, under 3,000 cases of the 1994 Vesuvio Vintage were released, less than one fifth of the production of the estate in 1994.
Grape Varieties: Old Vines
Tasting Notes: It is of superb quality, possessing Vesuvio's lovely scented nose of violets, layers of opulent blackcurrant fruit and a powerful, tightly knit structure suggesting great longevity. The overall harmony of this wine is astonishing, even at this young stage. The wine will bring great pleasure throughout its long life.
Store and Serve Advices: Store the bottle horizontally in a dark place with constant temperature, ideally between 12ºC and 15ºC.
Food Pairing: Quinta do Vesuvio 2003 will surely make any lunch or dinner a memorable one. It is a fabulous accompaniment to chocolate desserts, such as chocolate pudding, but can also be enjoyed on its own - it is an experience in itself.
Reviews and Awards:
. 97 points in Jamie Goode;
. 96 points in CellarTracker;
. 96 points in Roy Hersh;
. 95 points in Wine Spectator Magazine;
. 93 points in Stephen Tanzer;
. 93 points in Wine Enthusiast Magazine;
. 90 points in Robert Parker;
. 18 points in Vinum Wine Magazine;
. 17 points in Jancis Robinson;
. Silver medal Decanter World Wine Awards 2006;
. Double Gold medal Indy International Wine Competition 2005.
