1994 Quinta do Vesuvio VP

[Bradley Bogdan]

This bottle was purchased from a local retailer, who acquired it on release and has kept it in their actively controlled storage since. Retailed for a very reasonable $100. Purchased as a birth year Wine to share with my little brother, who passed his level 1 somm exam the other day.

Perfect cork, 4 hour decant.

Great dark color, some crimson around the edges signaling that this is aged, but still entirely opaque.

A mostly primary nose, full of dark fruits, much like a mixed black and raspberry pie, as well as some fresh cracked pepper and dark floral notes. Great nose.

The palate is surprisingly soft after the relatively short decant. Loads of jammy fruits and mouth coating richness, with surprisingly little tannin considering the fruit and color. On day 2, this seemed to gain tannin and more of that black pepper spice, as well as that floral note from the nose. Also took on a bit of a meaty tone at the close, almost like a well cured salami. Long, lingering finish.

Obviously a Wine that has a long life ahead, despite the initial closed appearance. This seems to be entering its enjoyable phase now though, if you like a VP with a sizable chunk of fruit left. Delicious stuff.

-95 pts.


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[Andy Velebil]

Congrats on your brother passing! And a nice bottle to share with him to celebrate.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Congrats on your brother passing! And a nice bottle to share with him to celebrate.

Agreed. Also thanks for the note, this is a port that I bought not so long ago and only hope that it wasn't improperly stored so that it might eventually show as well as it did for you.

Mahmoud.