2007 Quinta do Noval

[Alex Bridgeman]

Magenta in colour, very red with only the faintest hint of violet on the rim; almost, but not quite transparent in the centre. Very open, fruity nose; fresh and ripe but tart blackcurrants. Full of sweet blackcurrants; develops many layers but develops them slowly and at a measured pace with all the components in harmony. Pronounced tannins, but they are soft and well balanced. One of the sweeter ports tasted. The aftertaste is warm and evolves through several phases with a perfect balance between fruit and tannin and lasts a very long time. Big and burly but with the perfect balance to pull this off and mature in the cellar for a long time; one to hunt out and buy. 94-96.