2001 Quinta do Vesuvio

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red, hinting at purple; very closed on the nose. Smooth in texture, dry and balanced but dominated by the tannins. There is fruit and ripe acidity that tries to distract from the tannin, but the balance is not held together and the wine becomes angular and awkward. The aftertaste is minimal. The weakest wine in the complete vertical to 2006, but one which is clearly shutdown at present. 87/100. Tasted 30/10/08 after 150 minutes decanting.