2011 Capela da Quinta do Vesuvio, Port, Portugal

The eponymous chapel is surrounded by old vines which have been selected for the second outing of this micro-cuvée, with a total of 2,400 bottles to be shared around the world. This is the Symington’s wild card because the blend includes two more unusual grape varieties, the dark and saturnine Alicante Bouschet and the high-acid Sousão, which has divided opinion in the valley for centuries.
 
Be that as it may, this is an astonishing achievement, with aromas of bay, green tea, mint and incense allowing us to rest the more usual descriptors for once. The palate has cathedral-like dimensions, gothic grandeur with spicy rococo decoration; pepper and spice season its black fruit soul and the tannins buttress the sweet core with great skill. Vive la différence!
Simon Field MW, Port Buyer


This is a Vesuvio with the volume turned up! The wine comes from specific vineyard blocks with significant quantities of the rare Sousão grape variety lending an unusual, delicious twist to the wine. Foot-trodden, like its larger volume sibling, the Capela is trodden in a small lagar to accentuate its individuality.

The nose hit me straight away with a huge bouquet of blooming violets. The palate is like diving into a giant pool of dark fruit, wave upon wave of rich berry fruit is kept in check by an immense structure. Big, firm tannins and mouth-watering acidity provide the foil for this sweet-fruited beast. The finish is very long and very fine; it is an exceptional Port.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager