QUINTA DO VESUVIO Vintage Port 1996 Bottle

Description

Quinta do Vesuvio 1996 Vintage Port is a prestigious release from the flagship estate of Symington Family Estates, renowned for its commitment to quality. Jancis Robinson scores it 16.5 points, praising its flattering and rich character, with enticing aromas of putty and linseed complemented by a densely sweet profile. The wine presents a deep purple, opaque color and is celebrated for its floral notes of violets, alongside a massive flavor of blackcurrant, showcasing firm tannins balanced by the estate's signature sweetness. This vintage represents a small yet extraordinary batch, crafted exclusively from foot-trodden grapes, reflecting the estate's dedication to traditional methods. With its long, concentrated finish, this Vintage Port stands as one of the finest from 1996, promising an exceptional tasting experience for years to come.

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Quinta Do Vesuvio 1996 Vintage Port was one of only a handful of vintage Ports released in 1996.
Quinta Do Vesuvio is the flagship Single Quinta of Symington Family Estates (owners of Dow, Warre, Grahams et al.) The estate can trace its origins back to 1565. It passed through family hands until it was acquired by the Symington family in 1989 and who immediately set about restoring and renovating the estate to modern standards. The main house and winery were restored and a large planting and re-planting of existing vineyard was undertaken taking the vineyard area to 136 hectares.

All grapes are trodden by foot and only Vintage Port is made at Quinta de Vesuvio. The entire property is A-rated, the highest possible quality designation. It is one of the finest Vesuvio wines produced to date in one of the largest harvests in the Douro Valley. A very small batch, representing around 12% of total production selected for bottling. The wine is deep purple and opaque in colour with richly lifted floral aromas of violets and a massive flavour of blackcurrant fruit with firm tannins balanced with the usual Vesuvio sweetness.

JANCIS ROBINSON 16.5 points
Putty/linseed on the nose and very sweet, round and rich. Flattering, lovely, smoky, exciting! Dense. Very, very good! Long, concentrated, explosive. (JR)