1997 Quinta do Vesuvio

Dark crimson with slightly ruby rim. Rich and alcoholic with a hint of bonfires and raisins. Lots of fine tannin not yet integrated but it should get there. This is a striking young port with a good future ahead of it. Very ripe, sweet finish. Big and brassy but masses of tannin underneath all that ripe fruit. (JR)

A delicious, forward, dark saturated ruby/purple-colored port, this 1997 reveals copious quantities of jammy, grapy, black fruit flavors intermixed with earth and spice, full body, and silky tannin. It should drink well soon, but last for two decades. Importer: Premium Ports and Maderias, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 331-7675

Juicy dark berries, black cherry, maple syrup, dark chocolate, espresso, walnut, mahogany and licorice on the nose, along with a hint of heat. Medium-sweet, supple and fresh in the mouth; fruit-driven, grapey flavors of blackberry and cassis are juicy and ripe. Has some size and muscularity, but does not appear to possess the structure or depth of the '94. Finishes with ripe tannins and good length. A second bottle was also nicely concentrated and persistent but also seemed rather easygoing.