Quinta do Vesuvio, 2015

Vintage Port, Douro
Magnum
Presented in Wooden Gift Case
***95 Points- James Suckling***
***18.5 Points- Jancis Robinson***

Description and Reviews:
The 2015 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port Wine was announced by The Symington family, as a prime example of their Vintage Ports from its magnificent estate in the remote upper reaches of the Douro Valley. This is a limited bottling of just 1,001 cases: 11,400 bottles (75cl), 288 Magnums and 9 Double Magnums.

Quinta do Vesuvio is located in the Douro Superior, the demarcated region’s hottest and driest subregion with just 470 mm average annual rainfall. The property’s sheer size (326 hectares) and mountainous terrain result in varied aspects, predominantly north and northwest, as it occupies a south bank position along the Douro River. The vineyards are laid out along varying altitudes, ranging from 110 metres up to almost 500 metres above sea level. These two variables are important features of the property’s terroir; combined they shield the vineyard from excessive heat.

These characteristics were important during the growing season in 2015, which was simultaneously the hottest and driest of the previous 36 years. It was the hottest month of June recorded in half a century. However, the Douro Superior was better placed than other areas of the Douro insofar as — unusually — the region benefited from more rain than the Cima Corgo and Baixo Corgo. This rainfall came when it was most needed during the month of May, just as temperatures began to soar. At Vesuvio, 27 mm of rain was recorded on just one day, the 4th of May — the average for the whole month there is 38.4 mm. Thus, Vesuvio and other neighbouring Douro Superior properties were better placed to withstand the drought, which persisted during the remainder of the spring and throughout the summer.

This is for 1 x Magnum (1.5ltr)

Winemakers: Charles Symington and Bernardo Nápoles
“Expectations were high and these were confirmed (…) This water [rainfall of the 15th] was excellent to refresh the vines and hydrate the plants (…) As the vintage progressed, it became apparent with the picking of the Touriga Nacional and Sousão parcels just how beneficial that one day’s rain had been. Towards the end of the vintage the Touriga Franca also showed fantastic structure, with generous colour and aromas.” Bernardo Nápoles, Quinta do Vesuvio, October 10th, 2015.