1982 Quinta do Noval

[PopulusTremula]

Good fill level, no sign of seepage. The top of the bottle/cork was reassuringly dry but after a few turns of the corkscrew, the cork, perhaps choosing death by drowning in port rather than being skewered by a metal implement (both being methods of dispatch with historical precedents i believe), attempted to fall into the bottle. It was all too late though as the corkscrew had, if not a firm hold of the cork, then at least enough of a grip to allow me to finish the job. After this initial excitement the cork was uneventfully removed from its confined space.

At present (D+2) this port shows a bit cloudy which is slightly worrying and i am unsure if this is because of bad storage, an endogenous fault or merely from having been manhandled by me.

Initially there is a hit of marzipan on the nose but, shortly after opening, this turns slightly harsh and spirity. At present however, the nose seems to have calmed down and shows rather well with red fruit and a boozy comforting heat. On the palate the wine is relatively light but still has enough body to provide a rather pleasant mouthfeel with some redcurrant perhaps, simple sugary notes against a slightly sour but refreshing sourness and finally an unsophisticated but honest spirity hit.

Light and not the most complex of ports but nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable one. A solid 87, which is not at all shameful.

P.S. (the better half complained, out of female (false) modesty only, of a slight booze-burn, but proceeded to drain the glass)