January started with the rather odd weather that has characterized recent years; only 4mm of rain fell in this month, but February brought good rain. March brought stunning weather. Consequently, the vegetative cycle began early and April also experienced some beautiful weather. Flowering came on the 18th May, the same date as last year but still much earlier than 2004 and 2005. Fruit set was again fractionally earlier, with an average date of 22nd May. June was characterized by a very wet middle of the month. July brought more showers on the 15th and 16th temperatures dropped sharply on the 23rd and 24th, delaying veraison. August was mild, without the normal searing summer heat. The moderate temperatures, combined with good soil humidity, had given good acidity, well sized grapes with relatively soft skins with excellent potential for colour extraction. September started with perfect weather which stayed remarkably stable. Fruit arrived at the wineries at very good temperatures and in perfect condition.
The extremely low yields of the Vesuvio vineyard produced a wine of unparalleled concentration and richness and with a deep purple color. Floral aromas of eucalyptus and gum cistus. Intense flavors of very ripe fruit and rich blackcurrant. The combination of all the fundamental elements in this wine will give it great longevity.
Reviews
A great vintage of Vesuvio, this is completely Douro in its flavors, a bold stroke of color across the palate, a rush of green, red, blue and purple. It's plump, if not downright fat (the wine seems softer in acidity than some of its peers), but it's ripped by tannin, with a pervasive schistiness that makes it grand. Those resonant tannins combine with vibrant spice, licorice and green herb to create a hum of energy around all the fruit. The wine vibrates with power, intensely compressed.
Fascinating aromas of citrus fruits, blueberry and dried flowers, with tar notes as well, lead to a full-bodied, medium-sweet palate, with a black pepper and spice undertone to the rich, ripe berry fruit. Turns chewy and tannic on the finish. So much to come with age in the bottle.
With its delicious juicy character, and blackberry jelly sweetness, this is a ripe wine, packed with fruit. It is sustained by a core of tannins and some herbal bitterness offering a good contrast to all the opulence and richness.
The purple/black 2007 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port offers up aromas of pine forest, menthol, pepper, Asian spices, and blackberry compote. This leads to a youthful, primary Port with gobs of mid-palate fruit, firm but ripe tannins, tremendous depth and concentration, and a succulence which raises it above the crowd. Impeccably balanced.