An opportunity to drink Noval Nacional is always ultra special - yesterday was my first encounter with the legendary 1963.
The bottle was opened, decanted and then refilled into bottle some 2-3 hours prior to tasting.
Radiant, translucent ruby colour, vibrantly healthy-looking at the centre, verging on orange at the rim.
Aromatics of violets, cherries, figs, plums and strawberries. In addition to the subtle peppery and floral notes of cassis, honey and spearmint, there is an ethereal character to this super-rich, pure wine that is not the least bit heavy. The fruit definition is extremely focussed and clean. After more aeration, additional tones of cigar smoke and cashew nuts emerge.
Highly complex palate, accompanied by aromas of coffee, a combination of ripe strawberry, plum and orange intermingled with a little date, fig, resin and chocolate, as well as spice and fresh licorice stick. The vibrancy, zest and primary fruit retention is amazing for this 47- year old wine. This is fresher, sturdier and more youthful than any other 1963 VP I’ve ever tasted. Seamless texture, and that rare combination of power, subtlety and finesse.
The finish lasts over a minute. Pristine bottle. 98+ points.
13.2.2010