2000 Quinta do Noval Silval

[ajfeather]

Just popped, out of storage in a UK ambient bonded warehouse.

T0: Rich colour, quite "thick" looking (in the way port sometimes looks a little thick), slightly orange on the rim when swirled in the glass. Spirity nose subsides over 5-10 mins and red fruits start to dominate. Oak and tannins dominate on the palate, fruit is there but quite hidden. Reasonably long T+1-2mins, alcohol kicks in quite quickly and then fades away slowly. Dry tickly finish. Quite young judging by the puckering tannins. Content given what I paid for it as a cellar defender.

I will try and remember to note some more in a few hours time.

[ajfeather]

T+3: I like the crimson colour, a little less spirity on the nose and quite a lot less spirity in the mouth than when popped. Fruit and spice now starting to be dominate in the finish. I like it but I suspect it will be a lot more balanced in the future.

[ajfeather]

T+24 A lot less spirity now, spicy pallate with a dollop of oak. Lengthening finish.

[Portman]

I some of this too. I hope it comes together in time.

[ajfeather]

I don't have enough experience to tell if it will come together in time and really "sing". I get the impression it is young off the bat and even after 24 hours it is not what I would call balanced. It was cheap enough that I am not disappointed but it could be better.

[ajfeather]

T+72 had the last glass today and it was the most settled, not epic but not bad either. Give it a while if you pop one!

[ajfeather]

Had a little from another bottle that was much more settled. A nice drink, very rich fruit and the spirity edge has almost gone.