The winter of 2003 was very wet in the Douro and this was to prove of critical importance later in the growing season. The rainfall, which brought mild, moderate conditions only abated in April and was followed by very hot and dry conditions, interrupted only by some very welcome showers in late June and July. Some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Portugal were experienced in August, although in the Douro it was not much hotter than normal, maximum daytime temperatures at Vesuvio averaging about 108F. Owing to the accumulated water reserves deep in the schistous soil, ripening took place under ideal conditions and the continuing dry weather in September ensured that the vintage took place in near perfect conditions.
The 2003 Vesuvio is of superb quality, possessing Vesuvio’s lovely scented nose of violets, layers of opulent blackcurrant fruit and a powerful, tightly knit structure suggesting great longevity. The overall harmony of this wine is astonishing, even at this young stage. The wine will bring great pleasure throughout its long life.
Reviews
Complex aromas of crushed berries, pepper and spices. Full-bodied, with medium sweetness and layers of polished tannins. Masses of berry, plum and citrus character. This single-vineyard Port is always superb.
High-toned floral scents contrast the plump, juicy middle of this wine, a high percentage of touriga franca filling it in. That voluptuous middle is grounded in schist, the tannins gentle but present, their stony character making the wine taste increasingly bold with air.
The Symingtons' showpiece vineyard in the upper Douro continues to make great vintage Port. This 2003 shows the estate's potential for big, luscious wines that are both powerful and tannic. It is opulent and generous, with the potential for good aging.
Waxy black and red cherries are found in the aromatic profile of the 2003 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port. Thick, creamy-textured, and exuberant, it offers a medium to full-bodied personality redolent with sweet black cherries and blackberries. A seductively sexy port, it is seamless, feminine, ample, and displays a long, syrupy finish that more than makes up for a slight lack of complexity.
This was a hot year throughout Europe, which made for a generally declared Port vintage. Retains a deep youthful colour, with super-ripe Morello cherry fruit and a dark-chocolate core. Big, ripe and minty on the palate, voluptuous with fleshy fruit backed by soft, ripe tannins (almost unnoticeable but very much there). A long, firm, vibrant finish shows freshness and verve - something that 2003s in general seem to lack.