2016 Quinta do Vesuvio
Buying options
Tasting notes
Amazing purity of fruit – a blackcurrent explosion, with fantastic depth and dimension. So concentrated, but perfectly balanced. Amazing structure and mouthfeel and gorgeous plump fresh fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Vintage Port is a blend of 43% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca and 17% Alicante Bouschet, with Tinta Amarela and Sousão filling out the rest. It comes in with 115 grams of residual sugar. If this Quinta has a hallmark to me, it is the expressive, gorgeous fruit. It has a seductive feel, but it is also muscular and intense. It is one of the most muscular in the Symington stable this year, with the concentration to soak up the power. I'd give this the nod for the moment over the 2015, but they are pretty close, granting that I do not have them side by side. They may wind up in more or less the same place overall in the long run. We'll see. That said, this seems superb. Bottled in May 2018 and to be released in October 2018, there were 1,220 cases produced.
The 2016 Quinta do Vesuvio from Symington’s has a slightly more savoury bouquet than its fellow 2016 releases – earthier, almost nuttier with some lovely grilled walnut scents percolating through with time in the glass. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, notes of marmalade and dried quince infusing the cassis and black cherry fruit with high notes of blueberry and a slight saline tincture towards the well balanced, quite persistent finish. Very fine.
The historic, extensive, 133-ha spread of vineyards upriver from Pinhão now owned by the Symingtons who have been replanting some parcels. Very dark blackish crimson. Reminds me a little of the Noval Nacional for its wildness (and foot sweat?!). Rather heady mix of wild herbs and grasses. Very juicy indeed. Massive impact and drama with great grip on the end. Firm tannic grip after all that appeal. Real pace and excitement. Nervy. Convincing dry finish. (JR)