2003 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 9:52 pm
I sit here drinking the last small glass from a bottle of 2003 Quinta do Vesuvio that I opened four days ago. The Port in this glass is intensely dark, opaque, and nearly black. It is the last from the bottle and contains a fair amount of fine sediment. The nose is dusty with dark fruit and spice. The palate has great acidity, is fiercely tannic with a long warm tannic finish. I am seeing the dark side of Vesuvio tonight.
The first night was a different experience. Immediately after opening, a dark intense ruby red with slight translucence that was not the squid ink I was expecting. The nose is crazy with notes of Christmas spices, figs, dark fruit, and other berries. The palate is full bodied, slippery sweet, lush, and comforting. A long complex finish with plum, chocolate, and dates. Mouth watering acidty, and ripe tannins. Well integrated alcohol with nice warmth. This Port is floral, perfumed, and complex. An incredibly good elegant Port.
I'm not sure what to make of the differing experiences. A very solid 96-97 points on the first night and if tonight is any indication, this will easily age for decades.
The first night was a different experience. Immediately after opening, a dark intense ruby red with slight translucence that was not the squid ink I was expecting. The nose is crazy with notes of Christmas spices, figs, dark fruit, and other berries. The palate is full bodied, slippery sweet, lush, and comforting. A long complex finish with plum, chocolate, and dates. Mouth watering acidty, and ripe tannins. Well integrated alcohol with nice warmth. This Port is floral, perfumed, and complex. An incredibly good elegant Port.
I'm not sure what to make of the differing experiences. A very solid 96-97 points on the first night and if tonight is any indication, this will easily age for decades.