Quinta do Vesuvio - DOC NEWS

[Roy Hersh]

Interesting news is that the USA will receive 75 cases (x 12) of the 2007 Quinta do Vesuvio, DOC red wine. The 2006 which we tasted, was another in a string of vintages that were bottled but decided by the Symington Family ... not to be released. I am guessing they saw that 2007 a generally declared VP year, would be a great time to make a statement with the Vesuvio, rather than release a 2006, which although VERY solid, is known in the Port world to be a problematic vintage. So, later this year we'll start to see this wine in the USA and there will be some for the UK and Canada of course.

Also from Vesuvio, will be a "2nd label" called Pombal. 400 cases are slated for release in the USA. This is pretty much the same wine from barrels that are not deemed "of a high enough quality" to go into the Vesuvio bottling. I can only assume that there will be a considerable difference in price between the two of these bottlings. Both have a nice blend of Touriga Nacional and Franca too. The Pombal version will also incorporate less new oak, which IMO is probably a very solid decision.

I've had the 2006 version and have been told that the 2007 is significantly better. That is saying a lot, as i liked the 2006 and now, can't wait to try the 2007!

[Andy Velebil]

Sorry to hear about the 2006 not being released as I was really looking forward to getting a bunch. Oh well, guess I'll have to wait for the 2007 one to come out.