The power of this wine is palpable. Great swathes of rich berry fruits roll around the palate with a not-too-sweet juicy acidity. It is, of course, young, powered by tannins, sweet plum juice and an intensely ripe structure. It needs many years, so don't drink before 2030.

Effusively fruity, offering luscious red plum, dark cherry and chocolate flavors that are well-integrated. Very suave and creamy as well, with a long finish filled with cocoa powder and Asian spice. Best from 2020 through 2045. 750 cases made.

The 2012 Quinta do Vesuvio is actually quite reserved for an infant Vesuvio with broody and introspective black fruit, cassis, orange essence, clear honey and cloves. It is well-defined but takes more coaxing than Dow's Senhora da Ribeira. The palate is well-defined with fine tannins and a slightly grainy texture. Good weight here, perhaps more structure than the aforementioned Senhora, adorned with an animated black pepper and clove-driven finish. Give this masculine Vesuvio at least four to five years in bottle.