Quinta Do Vesuvio Vintage 2003

Notes - The 2003 Vintage at Vesuvio continues the unbroken tradition of foot treading in its eight granite 'lagares' that dates back to 1827. An immense wine that continues to place this property amongst the finest of the Douro. 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 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 42ºc.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. Although a little hot at times, the lagares´ingenious cooling mechanism guaranteed that fermentation temperatures were held within the desired limits. The fruit arrived at the winery in excellent condition with text book ripeness, Baumés averaging 13.5º. The principal grape varieties planted at Vesuvio faired magnificently, the heat resistant Touriga Nacional reaching Baumés of around 14º with balanced acidity. The Touriga Franca, a late ripening variety, thrived in the warm dry weather in September, also achieving generous Baumés. The components for a great Vintage were in place.This young wine should be allowed to age in its own bottle for at least 15 to 20 years from the time it is bottled to achieve its optimum maturity. For those who prefer to drink their Vintage Port young, 4 to 5 years are sufficient."Big and burly. Masses of fruit and tannin. Full blackstrap Port here. Full-bodied, with mouthpuckering tannins, yet they are sweet and round. Medium sweet. Long finish. One of the best of the vintage. This single-vineyard Port is always superb" - Wine Spectator Online, James Sucking, April 2005, 95-100 Points.
 
     

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