The very attractive bergamot and esteva (rockrose) aromas combined with spicy notes, so typical of Touriga Nacional, are very apparent in this wine due to the combination of the North-facing aspect and the altitude, both of which favour cooler temperatures and lend these wines incredible freshness and perfect levels of acidity. Conversely Touriga Franca is a variety that flourishes with heat and at Vesuvio is planted at relatively lower altitudes. In 2015 the finest Franca was harvested from the Vale da Teja vineyards, predominantly northwest facing and planted between 492 and 656 feet, some lying near the river. This Touriga Franca produced some of the finest examples of this variety, making beautifully floral wines with velvety ripe tannins. The combination of these two varieties was complemented by a small quantity of Sousão, drawn from a more granitic area of the Quinta, which brings acidity and minerality to the blend, beautifully balancing this powerful and structured Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port.
Reviews
This is beautifully balanced, but still a "wow" because of its terrific fruit. It is packed with luscious and intensely flavorful fruit, laced with some dark plum and baked cherry nuances. The concentration is good—not exceptional, perhaps, but it shows fine precision on the delicious finish, too. It is also rather elegant and very fresh, the fruit lifted and well defined, never sloppy. It tightens noticeably with air, proving that its backbone can't be discounted.
CELLAR SELECTION - Full of ripe fruit, this wine is rich while also having a delicately perfumed character. With its spice, generous fruits and sense of poise, it will age well.
From a magnificent property in the Douro Superior, picked relatively late after the rain, rich and heady on the nose with ripe blackberry jam fruit and a touch of aromatic esteva (gum cistus); opulent palate, sun-drenched fruit backed by big, ripe velvety tannins and a tannic finish. Full, round and satisfying; weight and finesse.
Deep purple in color, richly concentrated in fruit. The supple dark-chocolate savor of the tannins and the powerful black-skinned blueberry flavors are, in fact, a bit dry, though still grand.
Expressive, with plum, blackberry and blueberry paste flavors that have a juicy edge along with lively licorice snap and suave dark chocolate notes. Lots of plum skin and cobbler details fill in on the finish.
Extremely aromatic with violet, blackberry and blueberry character. Full body, beautiful center palate and length. Tight and focused. Goes on for minutes. Super quality. Try in 2026.