The winter of 2013/2014 was wet and mild with an exceptionally warm February. A damp but hot spring followed, leading to an early bud burst and rapid development in the vineyards that was somewhat curtailed by the variable temperatures and thunderstorms that followed in June and July. Then, a cool, dry August meant that the vine's annual cycle was not affected by further delays associated with the normally extreme temperatures at this time of year. The vintage began earlier than usual and although there was some rain during the harvest, the grapes were picked perfectly ripe, making for some excellent wines.
Reviews
There is plenty of finesse to go with good concentration here. It seemed gloriously open when first tasted, fresh, pure and transparent with a trace of minerality. It is a bit more closed after travel to the USA now, but it still seems to have fine intensity of flavor in this year. The juicy finish is impressively delicious.
A ripe and fruity red, with flavors of dark plum, blackberry and cherry tart accented by notes of dark chocolate and Asian spice. The minerally finish is fresh and pure-tasting.
A floral and fragrant Douro red, this is the second wine of Vesuvio, the historic quinta developed by Dona Antónia de Ferreira on the left bank of the Douro, just upriver from the Cachão da Valeira. Now a property of the Symington family, it grew a firm, juicy wine with lean schist tannins that keep the rich fruit feeling svelte.
The second wine of this legendary Douro estate is rich and full bodied. It has dark tannins along with generous red-berry fruits and juicy acidity. It will develop into a full, while accessible wine.