QUINTA DO VESUVIO Vintage Port 2019

(Douro Valley, Portugal) $83

The stereotypical image of Port as the drink of old British men is just that—a stereotype. The United States (along with the U.K.) is a top export market for Vintage Port. Today, Port consumption is thought to be about equally split between women and men. And as for age—you definitely don’t have to be ‘older’ to be stunned by the sensuality and deliciousness of this wine. And the Port itself doesn’t have to be old either. In the last decade, Vintage Ports have begun to be made in a way that renders them luscious when young (although of course they will age for decades if you want to cellar them).

Quinta do Vesuvio is one of my favorite Vintage Ports. It’s breathtakingly complex, a powerhouse of cool, spicy, blueberry-esque flavor, and has a double-velvet texture. It also fairly vibrates with aliveness. Quinta do Vesuvio, founded in the mid-1500s, is considered by many to be the most magnificent traditional estate in the Douro Valley. This is a must-taste-to-believe wine. Now’s a great time. 20% abv

98 points KM

Available at Vivino