2011 Quinta do Vesuvio

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottle 10256. Thrown some light sediment already. Deep magenta in colour, tiny transparent rim. A lovely nose of steely, sweet blackcurrant fruit. Fruit led entry, but powerful tannins grab and dominate. There is a sharpness and huge acidic backbone to this port but patience on the palate allows a lovely balanced, elegant fruit and flower palate to emerge - bringing a wonderful balance and poise to the palate. The aftertaste is gentle, but opens into a massive and masterful finish of enormous length and incredible complexity. What a fabulous young port - this will be such a pleasure to follow as it ages. This will easily reach its half century, even if I am not around to appreciate it then. 95/100. Decanted up to 8 days.