1963 Quinta do Noval

Tasting notes for individual Ports, with an index sorted by vintage and alphabetically.
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Tasting notes for individual Ports, with an index sorted by vintage and alphabetically.
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DRT
Fonseca 1966
Posts: 15779
Joined: 23:51 Wed 20 Jun 2007
Location: Chesterfield, UK
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1963 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

Post by DRT »

January 2007

Appears to be a UK bottling - no label - purchased from Seckford Wines this year in a shared lot with Alex Bridgeman.

The cork came out intact. It was quite badly stained and the branding was barely legible when first extracted. Straining my eyes to read it I thought for one moment that I could see the word "Nacional" - not bad for £40 a bottle I thought - unfortunately, as the cork dried and exapnded it became clear that I was halucinating - a "normal" Noval 1963 is what I had in front of me (I must have been dreaming about Tom's good fortune too often and made up my own fairytale)

On Decanting
Dark brownish red with a hint of pink. Thick and chewy mouthfeel. Initial taste of strawberry is quickly replaced by heat then a nice long red fruit finish.

+8 Hours
No noticeable change in colour. Strawberry sill dominant with a long, long finish

+11 Hours
Heat has gone completely - very smooth and chewy - now has chocolate and a very long finish with a touch of mint. Best of the 3 tastings so far.

+15 Hours
No significant change from 11 hours

Score: 8-6
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KillerB
Taylor Quinta de Vargellas 1987
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Joined: 22:09 Wed 20 Jun 2007
Location: Sky Blue City, England

Post by KillerB »

Past its best from all known sources apparently. That's why it's only £40. I saw it for £60 and stumbled, realising why.
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DRT
Fonseca 1966
Posts: 15779
Joined: 23:51 Wed 20 Jun 2007
Location: Chesterfield, UK
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Post by DRT »

I was surprised by this bottle. I expected it to be going downhill rapidly but it was extremely nice. I'm so glad I have another one from the same source 88)

Derek
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