Classic, monumental wines with fabulous rich character and fantastic structure. An outstanding Vintage, probably one o the best of the 20th century. General declaration.

Richard Mayson wrote: “Outstanding wines, with flesh masking at the outset. The best wines are now dumb with brooding tannins and opulence. Down, Fonseca, Graham, Taylor and Ware are in the premier league, as always, with Quinta do Noval and Quinta do Vesuvio joining them.”

FTLOP (Roy Hersh) 97 points: “This VP exhibits a deeply extracted and brilliant red-violet optic will full opacity. Tight early on, it morphed in glass and a complex briar patch field of blackcurrant and boysenberry fragrances emerged amidst a sweet smelling bouquet of roses, and hints of anise and bittersweet chocolate. Absolutely breathtaking! Unctuous velvety richness and sweet blueberry pie with a graham cracker crust and a profoundly persistent finish highlighting mint chocolate on the lingering aftertaste. Structurally this is a rock star, with soft underlying tannins that deftly hide their power. This Vesuvio will show best with eight, even ten hours in decanter. A stellar bottle of Vintage Port with 4-5 decades of life ahead.”

Wine Spectator 96 points: “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.”

Alcohol content: 20%
Volume: 150 cl
Grapes: Blend of traditional grapes from the Douro)
Cellaring: drink or keep for a few decades
Serving: 16 to 18 C
Last: 5 to 6 days after opening
Pairing: The best combination with Vintage is blue cheese such as Stilton or chocolate and/or fruit desserts. It's an amazing combination when paired with a foie gras or a good cigar.