Quinta do Vesuvio 1994
Single Quinta Vintage Port
The very definition of a great Vintage Port. Wonderful structure and power in combination.
Description
After rigorous selection of the very best lots, fewer than 3.000 cases will be released, less than a fifth of the total production of the estate. In the Vesúvio tradition, bottling will take place at the Quinta itself.
Our Expert's Recommendation
"This Vintage is beginning to show some of the wonderful characteristics of bottle matured wine. It can be drunk now but will repay a few more years in your cellar. One of my favourite wines of the vintage. Its floral aromas are quite sensational."
Press Comments
"Narrow-rimmed black-red; a dense, rich, persistent blend of fruit and minerals, a very classy early bouquet; perfectly balanced, concentrated midleweight Port, with a frame of very fine-textured, velvety tannin; deep, sweet, rich and generous to taste, with great complexity and a mouth-filling scent and spiciness; a wonderfully enveloping flavor, exceptional refinement and remarkable scented length. Discreet, understated power allied to the absolutely effortless harmony and feeling of completeness that is the hallmark of truly great wines. A glorious Vintage Port of outstanding quality."
"Some amazing flavours jockeying for position: citrus fruit and figs, perhaps dates? A long, lively finish with herbal notes. An exotic wine that feels slightly decadent. Maybe the fact that it's 100 per cent foot-trodden has something to do with it".
"Vintage Port at this age rarely excites me more than this. But 1994 is THE Vesuvio that won me over upon release and ever since... This is one of the ‘94s that you can never own too much of. Brash and juicy with ripe black fruit flavors, the best descriptor for this brawny baby is 'opulent'. On the finish, it almost delivers perfection. You can drink it at any point in your lifetime but don’t be afraid to enjoy a couple now, with lots of decanting time."
"Blackish crimson right out to the rim. Less than a fifth of the estate’s production, just 3000 cases, were released. Smells almost like a Douro table wine. Velvety sweet though still a bit raw and definitely very wild! Bit of an exhibitionist. Luscious sweetness, the acidity has to be sniffed out. (...) Big and burly, but with pretty good muscles too."
"Deep opaque centre, thin crimson rim. Closed, but with underlying focus and intensity. Very fine pure berry fruit, not as immediately sweet or fleshy as some, but with power and elegance. Tight and firm bitter-chocolate concentration with purity of fruit re-emerging on the finish. Very fine."
“Lively, spicy scented nose. A palate with firm acidity and tannic grip, bolstered by characteristic ripeness and an eloquent leafy nose that adds definition and presages a measured development. Lovely oxymoronic sweet dryness to tease and attract”.
“I drank a bottle of 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio with owner Rupert Symington a few months ago, and although we felt slightly guilty popping the cork on such young Port, we couldn’t help want more when the decanter went dry. The beautiful young thing seduced us with its opulent, aromatic fruit and caressing, velvety tannins. “So what if ’94 Vesuvio will be much better in 20,30 or 40 years?” we said to one another as we drank the Port. “It’s glorious now, why not take advantage of the moment?”
“…delicious, touch of uplifting citrus aromas; not as sweet, but glorious fruit. Still opaque; extraordinary, most distinctive, great potential”.
“Fine colour. Lovely nose. Dry but rich. Concentrated and very well balanced. There is a lot of depth here. This is very classy. Fullish body. Good ripe tannins. Excellent complex fruit and very good grip. Really intense at the end. Very fresh from start to finish. Very fine indeed”.
“This impressive wine, with an opaque ruby/purple color, reveals excellent richness, layers of flavour, well integrated alcohol and tannin, moderate sweetness, and a long, heady finish”.
“Absolutely magnificent”.
“Greatest Vesuvio ever. A young vintage Port that sneaks up and grabs you by the throat. Full-bodied, featuring intense grapey, stemmy character and a long, silky, firm, tannic finish. Truly superb”.
Additional Information
For more information about Quinta do Vesuvio, please visit
http://www.quintadovesuvio.com/
Click here to download the Quinta profile.
Click here to download the wine specification sheet.