1994 Quinta do Vesuvio

[Alex Bridgeman]

Deep red, 90% opaque. Open nose, herbaceous and still with blueberries showing. Sweet fruit, lovely ripe plums and rose petals. Bold tannins that are still swamped by the mass of fruit. Roses, plums and damsons on the aftertaste and a huge finish. What a wine! 97/100. Drunk 1 Dec 2011.

Part of the 2011 Berry Brother's Port Walkaround tasting that included Quinta de la Rosa White Port served with Fever Tree tonic and lemon, Berry's Crusted bottled 2004, Quinta de la Rosa 1997 colheita, Berry's William Pickering 20 year old tawny, 1997 Quinta de Roeda, 1997 Gould Campbell, 1997 Quarles Harris, 1997 Smith Woodhouse, 1997 Fonseca, 1997 Taylor, 1994 Vesuvio, 1994 Warre, 1994 Dow, 1994 Graham, 1985 Fonseca, 1985 Taylor, 1977 Dow, 1977 Smith Woodhouse (magnum), 1977 Taylor, 1970 Gould Campbell, 1970 Graham, 1963 Dow and 1963 Warre.

[RAYC]

Best of the 94s on show, but not floating my boat at this point in its evolution. An undoubtedly classy wine, but for me there's just an unattractive roughness creeping into it at this stage - I'll keep a bottle out but put all my others away for some time. Consistent with the other three times i have tried this: I am genuinely suprised that Alex rated this 97 - i don't know what i am missing!! ***(**) 86 now, but will be great