This a tiny-production vintage Port from old vines planted in a particular parcel near the winery that are at least 60 years old. Full-bodied, tight and linear with beautiful dark fruits and intense tannins. Very focused and beautiful. The splendid tannins show through here. Drink in 2023.
The nose is not giving much away quite sullen the palate seems firm closed at the start but it opens up with a rich mix of black cherry, damson plum and liquorice. Breadth, richness at the back the finish is fine peppery, spicy with length and elegance. 2038-70
Deep, inky blue in colour, this has an intensely black-fruited nose of blackberry and cassis. The juicy fruits are supported by spices of clove, and nutmeg. The palate is powerful and rich, with generous and supple tannins building to a chalky texture that perfectly harmonises witht he redolent black fruits at the core. Precision and focus drive the palate, with pure intensity lingering for over a minute on the finish. With it, hints of spice and smoke come through, playing a supportive role to the fruit.
Less showy on the nose than the regular Vesuvio. Like blackcurrant compote with wood shavings macerated therein. Very unformed. Defintely for the future but rather jagged and uncompromising for the moment.
Drink 2042-2070
One of the most thrilling wines of the vintage, this is a stunning creation with masses of flamboyant fruit and concentration and the nose alone is arresting and incredible. Long, juicy, structured and densely chocolaty, this is a frighteningly good wine and one for fervent collectors all over the world.
Only the third Capela vintage to be released, from low yielding 90 year old vines as well as co-fermented Touriga Nacional/Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Franca /Sousão from neighbouring plots: rather more sullen and brooding on the nose than the Vesuvio and deliberately slightly drier in style though with similar underlying ripeness and rich, fleshy cherry and plum fruit backed by powerful, ripe, broad tannins. A tiny quantity produced: 3,000 numbered bottles. 18.5/20