1992 Vintage Port

As a general rule, the further one travels up the Douro, the better the quality and concentration found in the fruit, though as a result of the drier conditions, the quantities are greatly reduced. The Symington Group took the plunge in 1989 and purchased Quinta do Vesuvio, which despite its remoteness, has to be the grandest quinta. Although released most years, quantities can be scarce of this impressive, long-lived wine, which frequently rates among the very best for sheer finesse and depth.

From the finest estate in the Symington empire, the 1992 Vesuvio is a classic. The dominant Touriga Francesca grape provides a perfumed, ethereal nose; on the palate power and restraint are translated into silky tannins and layer upon layer of flavour. Harmonious and elegant, this wine is a worthy ambassador for an historic property. Drink now to 2030.

Fonseca is, in fact, a partner to its rival, Taylor's though the two brands have kept their separate identities. Long-lived, the vintage wines are renowned for their quality and intensity of fruit, sheer opulence, structure and balance to last for decades. Fonseca is without doubt a top name and one that everyone should aspire to try.

A seductive and powerful nose of damsons, cherries, and blackcurrants leads on to a lusciously sweet palate displaying creamy black fruits with hints of caramel.

Taylor's 1992 Vintage Port is unquestionably the greatest young port I have ever tasted....the color is an opaque black/purple, and the nose offers up fabulously intense aromas of minerals, cassis, blackberries, licorice, and spices, as well as extraordinary purity and penetration. In the mouth, the wine is out of this world, displaying layer upon layer of concentrated black fruits backed by well-integrated tannin and structure. This is a massive, magnificently rich, full-bodied port...it possesses awesome fruit, marvelous intensity, and lavish opulence, all brilliantly well-delineated by the wine's formidable structure. (Robert Parker)