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Johnny Symington and other suspects gathered at the B&F for a complete vertical of Quinta do Vesuvio.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• Tasting notes of Quinta do Vesuvio 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements.

I found the 89 having slightly brighter pale+ red colour compared to the 90, with a clean nose of black cherry jam, chocolate, treacle, vanilla essence, mint tones. sweet and warm on the palate with high balancing acidity, soft mellowed tannins and extemely long aftertaste. Dia - 94/100 - 24/02/2016

V89 Not as light as the 90 or 91 with 75% opacity. Still quiet dark for its years. Starting to mature but a bigger port than I expected by reputation, and still has some years to go. Some acidity on the finish with a touch of heat, that blends well with the tannins to give a lovely smooth finish and follow through.
92 Points

Bottle 15935. Mature red colour, 60% opaque. Pleasant and mature on the nose with a good dose of cigar ash and woodsmoke. Round on the palate but with a flash of dust; something odd in tone. A touch thin on the hot aftertaste and a modest bitter finish. I have had better bottles but this experience has underlined the way in which the Douro bake is continuing to integrate into the flavour profile. 86/100.

V89: dark dark red, 80% opaque. Soft red fruit; slightly dry; mature; mint and dryness; mid weight. Lovely.