2011 Quinta do Vesuvio Capela

Bright, deep ruby. A note of caramelized banana dissipated to reveal aromas of dark berries, high-pitched spices and licorice. Superconcentrated and densely packed but not overly sweet, showing a surprisingly pliant mid-palate texture today. But this wine displays its considerable power on the firmly tannic, very long back end, which leaves behind chocolate and dark fruit flavors. This special bottling was made only once previously, in 2007.

The 2011 Capela da Quinta do Vesuvio is a single vineyard bottling that ranks as one of the finest of the declared Ports. Unlike the maiden 2007, it includes a small proportion of Alicante Bouschet, while the heart of the Capela comes from the “Vale da Escola” plot of Touriga Nacional close to the Quinta house. It is endowed with a heart-warming, refined, elegant bouquet with pure scents of raspberry coulis, apricot jam, macerated small dark cherries and blueberry. Supremely well-defined, it unfolds beautifully in the glass. The palate is full-bodied with thick ripe, slightly chewy tannins and exquisite balance. Examining this nascent Port over several minutes, it is stylistically reminiscent of the Noval’s Nacional, and how can you not resist the tremendous power and “authority” of this Vintage Port that seems self-aware of its class? It climaxes in a copious, lightly spiced, lemongrass-tinged finish that goes on and on and on. What an outstanding Vintage Port! Just 200 cases declared – bottles individually numbered. Tasted May 2013. Importer: Premium Port Wine; www.premiumport.com

Very dark indeed. Hugely intense. Vibrates with excitement. Wild! Finishes dry and racy and sinewy. Muscular. Really very fine indeed. needs lots of time and a bit more obviously 'made' but very impressive indeed. Scrubs the palate. Very exciting. (JR)