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1996 Quinta do Vesuvio

Posted: 13:59 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by djewesbury
After the NIWSI tasting of wood-aged ports, some friends and their friends gathered around one table with some bottles decanted earlier that day:

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Excellent fun, some of the ports were a little reluctant to come out to play but nonetheless much enjoyment had. Unfortunately I lost Justin K's decanting funnel in the Gents of the Belfast School of Art's library. The librarian thought it was one of the best lost property enquiries but regretted that it had not turned up. was a half-bottle of Ni97 which remained from a few bought a couple of years ago. The others had generally been OK but this one looked fishy.

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 14:45 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by djewesbury
Decanted around 8.30 am, so about 13½ hours.

This was about 90% opaque, really dark ruby. In the nose were great ripe plums, mint and other herbs. There was heat in the mouth, but mint around a chocolatey centre gave way to great big fleshy fruit. Liked this, despite the somewhat hot finish.

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 15:13 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by RAYC
I like this port - even for drinking in the short to mid-term (though perhaps the 98 is more ready right now). Plus it still seems to be available at such a crazy price in the UK - must be one of the best QPR ports in my cellar.

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 15:15 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by djewesbury
It's only the second bottle I've opened, but I've enjoyed it both times. And yes, great value too!

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 16:37 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by flash_uk
90% opacity, darkest red. Blackberries...all fruit, although buried somewhat. in the mouth, strawberry jam! Little or no tannin, already balanced and BIG, structure and complexity. Joint WOTN for me, this is nice now and likely better in time.

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 16:41 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by flash_uk
RAYC wrote:...must be one of the best QPR ports in my cellar.
QPR.
Quality Price Ratio?

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 18:18 Sat 12 Apr 2014
by djewesbury
flash_uk wrote:
RAYC wrote:...must be one of the best QPR ports in my cellar.
QPR.
Quality Price Ratio?
Exactly. :)

Re: 1996 Vesuvio

Posted: 21:43 Tue 15 Apr 2014
by DRT
I can confirm that the 6 bottles of V96 in my cellar will indeed provide a good QPR in the future, much like the others that were once there that have already served their purpose.