1994, 1997, 2000 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port, Graham's Vintage Port & Cockburn's "Quinta Dos Canais" Vintage Port Tasting Lot

“Terrific aromas of berries and violets, with a hint of mint. Full-bodied and lightly sweet, with fine, silky tannins that build on the palate and caress the tongue. Outstanding concentration and harmony. Greatest Vesúvio this century. (JS)” (04/1997)

“Highly recommended in 1998 and the same again this time round. It's deep and dark with lovely opulent aromas of plums, cherries and lifted blossom. It's rich and luxurious with dense, ripe, minty fruit with firm tannins to back it up. A wonderfully solid finish. Complete. (RM)” (10/2014)

“This has an ethereal nose, nice lift with secondary aromas beginning to come through, with blackberry leaf, dried orange peel, a touch of walnut and honey. Expressive, if a little too open-knit. There is a hint of glue just in the background but it does not get in the way. The palate is very well balance, quite suave with very fine tannins, with subtle hints of cloves, dried herbs and a touch of capsicum with elegant very supple finish. Excellent. (NM)” (05/2009)

“Dark blackish crimson. Rich and sumptuous. Chestnuts and super-round. Very pure and polished tannins. Lovely now. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (09/2016)

“Still a bit compact, as the core of warm steeped fig, blackberry and black currant fruit hasn't stretched out fully yet. However, there's so much warm toffee, toasted peanut and singed alder coursing through that this is a fun drink now. A big, gutsy style. Should open up fully with a bit more time. (JM)” (02/2017)

“Blackberries, licorice, and melted asphalt stand out in this full-bodied, beautifully made vintage port's moderately intense bouquet. It is not one of the great Graham's Ports, and is less sweet than normal, but it is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and impressive. (RP)” (01/2000)

“Deep, saturated ruby. Subtle, complex, lively aromas of blackberry, flowers, licorice, spices and mint. Rich, supple and concentrated, if not as supersweet or densely structured as some outstanding recent vintages of Graham. But this nicely balanced port boasts lovely mouthwatering vinosity and enough backbone for medium-term aging. Finishes spicy and very long, with strong black fruit flavors. An easygoing style of Graham. (ST)” (05/2000)

“Deep crimson. Thick, sweet and concentrated. Round and full and unctuous. Lots of macerated prunes and confidence. Lively and dense with real richness but a correct structure. Some floral notes and some dry tannins on the finish. Not quite married but a definite tea flavour. Dry finish. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (08/2005)

“Very well-done indeed. Intense aromas of tar, berries and green tobacco. Full-bodied, medium sweet, soft and thick. Very velvety and balanced. Long finish. (JS)” (05/2003)

“Although 40% of the blend of Cockburn's 2000 “classic” vintage Port is from Quinta dos Canais, enough high-quality wine remained to bottle a single-quinta Port as well. Canais is slightly lighter in color and in weight, yet still boasts wondrous aromas of blueberries, licorice and sun-warmed schist.” (03/2004)

“Very deep, magisterial, blackish purple. Commanding nose that is immediately eloquent, deep-flavoured and regal. Great layers of ripeness hit the palate at first, before giving way to notable acidity and dry tannins eventually. This, tasting alphabetically, is the first really stunning wine. The wine starts sweet and finishes dry - a thoroughly satisfying combination. Noble. 18/20 points (JR)” (07/2000)