1994 Quinta do Vesuvio

[jdaw1]

We gathered at The Boot & Flogger to taste Port of the 1994 Vintage.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1994 Graham;
• 1994 Dow;
• 1994 Warre;
• 1994 Quinta do Vesuvio;
• 1994 Smith Woodhouse;
• 1994 Gould Campbell;
• 1994 Tesco;
• 1994 Eira Velha;
• 1994 Taylor;
• 1994 Fonseca;
• 1994 Croft;
• 1994 Skeffington;
• 1994 Quinta do Noval;
• 1994 Churchill;
• Placemats;
• Planning and arrangements.

[winesecretary]

80% opaque, glass staining dark wine. Strongly spirity nose, much more so than the Warre or Dow tasted alongside, with a nice figgy note. Lively and spicily fruity in the mouth, it flowered in the glass as the evening went on. Very good, but needs more time.

[flash_uk]

85% opacity, very dark dull red. Dark spicy nose, dark red fruits, plums, damsons. Thick and chewy entry, lovely velvet full mouthfeel, syrupy dark red fruit and great sweetness, with spice in the finish. Really sweet & smooth. Excellent bottle, perhaps the best V94 I have had. Shows off this great vintage for Vesuvio perfectly.

[NickA]

Deep colour. Quite a nigh toned note on the nose with a slightly confected note initially. Attractive red and black fruits. The palate is fresh and lively initially but this opens and rounds out turning out something that is super attractive and drinking well. Controversially perhaps but while I’ve had my doubts on this port before now this bottle shows it can contain the more volatile (and indeed sweet character) into something that is just flat out enjoyable to drink. How much better this will show against its peers in future I wouldn’t like to say but took my top vote as I decided ‘on the night’ rather than outright potential was going to be the guide to help me decide.

[jdaw1]

V94. Dark red, 70% opaque. Dark plum; mid-sweetness; only a hint of the dryness.