After an unusually dry winter and spring and come summertime the vines were in need of water to sustain maturations. However, the virtual absence of rain between May and late August was counter-balanced by cooler than usual summer conditions. June temperatures, for instance, were 4°C below average at Quinta do Vesuvio. This favored steady phenolic ripening, but it was clear that more rain was needed to achieve complete ripeness. Perfectly timed heaven-sent showers on August 25th immediately began to recover lagging maturations.
The harvest started at Vesúvio on September 9th with the earlier ripening varieties. On the 21st, bang on the equinox, we had some further welcome rain, and this water top-up was perfect for the balanced development of the Touriga Franca, as well as for fine tuning the Touriga Nacional. Picking was briefly paused to allow the vines to rehydrate and was resumed on the 23rd with the Touriga Nacional, which was in an ideal state of ripeness and looking particularly promising with small berries indicating nice concentration. The later ripening Touriga Franca was picked from the end of September and into early October.
Reviews
Aromas of cassis and dark plums with chocolate, bark and nut shell undertones. Hints of wet stones and graphite, too. Sweet and viscous palate with a full body and layers of plush, finely polished tannins. Structured and firm with a lingering, chalky finish. Better after 2026.
Top 100 Wines of 2022
This is really vivid, with a beautiful range of cassis, cherry purée, boysenberry coulis and plum reduction notes unfurling across the palate while succulent licorice, warm fruitcake and enticing red and black tea notes sing back up. The long, refined finish has plenty in reserve for the long haul. One of the stars of the vintage. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet and Tinta Amarela. Best from 2040 through 2060. —J.M.
Aromas of cassis and dark plums with chocolate, bark and nut shell undertones. Hints of wet stones and graphite, too. Sweet and viscous palate with a full body and layers of plush, finely polished tannins. Structured and firm with a lingering, chalky finish. Better after 2026.
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