2011 Symington, Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port

The 2011 Tinto (Quinta do Vesuvio), is a blend of 60% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca and 5% Tinta Amarela, aged in a mixture of new and used French oak barrels of various sizes for 14 months. It comes in at 14.1% alcohol. The price spike between this and the Pombal is considerable, but if you-re up for it, this adds another layer of depth and more expressive fruit, plus better structure. Bright and fresh, it has the hallmarks of the vintage in its well-balanced demeanor. Tightening as it airs, it becomes quite impressive. The only remaining question here is just how good it will be. There is no question at all that it is pretty fine, probably the best yet. There were 14,000 bottles produced, plus some large-format bottles. Drink now-2027.

Still dark purple. Distinctive pepper and putty on the nose. Very firm and glorious. Sinewy and great structure after spread of sweetness at first. Pepper. (JR)