1947 Quinta do Noval
Posted: 23:35 Tue 20 Mar 2012
The bottle had a good level, around the base of the neck, but was showing seepage. I removed the cork about four hours beforehand, and decanted just before serving.
The colour was a watery, muddy red-brown - quite unappetising, unlike the nose, which was very inviting. Though the fruit had faded, there was plenty of acidity to balance the sweetness, and all in good harmony. It was a gentle port, and rather dignified and refined in an elderly way. The party had some wine geeks, but mainly not, and all were respectful of age - the decanter was quickly polished off.
I kept back a small glass and tried it 24 hours later. Now it had woken up, acquiring fire and power. A lovely old port, but I rather regret not giving it a much longer decant.
(With thanks to Alex for taking the time to check out the bottle.)
The colour was a watery, muddy red-brown - quite unappetising, unlike the nose, which was very inviting. Though the fruit had faded, there was plenty of acidity to balance the sweetness, and all in good harmony. It was a gentle port, and rather dignified and refined in an elderly way. The party had some wine geeks, but mainly not, and all were respectful of age - the decanter was quickly polished off.
I kept back a small glass and tried it 24 hours later. Now it had woken up, acquiring fire and power. A lovely old port, but I rather regret not giving it a much longer decant.
(With thanks to Alex for taking the time to check out the bottle.)