2011 Quinta do Vesuvio

[jdaw1]

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.

[Doggett]

V11 100% opacity. After 20 ports tasted prior to this, the palate was shot!, but it was much nicer than the others in the 09-13 flight and the best I tasted from the 04 onwards on the night. Huge fruits but with a silkyness in the mouth and a huge follow through and finish. I hope I live long enough to enjoy this in its prime!
91 points

[Alex Bridgeman]

What can I say about this port - or even this vintage in general. This is a great vintage and we can speculate over the years whether it will go the way of 1963 (full of fruit, mature but starting the long slow slide after 40-50 years in bottle) or the way of 1927 or 1912 (immortal wines, drinking brilliantly today).

This port lived up to the hype of the vintage and was my wine of the night.

Bottle 10617. Deeply coloured, narrow crimson rim. Sweet golden syrup with soft raspberries and ripe boysenberries on the nose. Initially restrained on the palate but with an exquisite texture. Full of fruit on the mid-palate; complex, layered and perfumed. The tannins are mild and dominated by the fruit, fruit which is focused by the acidity in the wine. Big and elegant on the aftertaste with a long fragrant finish. This is a long and delicious port with and unbelievable length of finish. 97/100.