1985 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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jdaw1
Cockburn 1851
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by jdaw1 »

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jdaw1
Cockburn 1851
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by jdaw1 »

Decanted just after noon. Cork crumbled. Slightly pale. Slightly acidic. Hmm.
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jdaw1
Cockburn 1851
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by jdaw1 »

N85, decanted noon. Pink-red, 25% opaque. Nose of sour cherry. Palate sour, indeed wrong. Too acidic.

There was disagreement about whether this was not-good port, or a spoilt bottle. I think spoilt by VA.
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Doggett
Morgan 1991
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by Doggett »

N85 Very thin, watery. Lots of heat on the finish and not enough fruit showing. Slight rubber-band notes. Many thought it was a bad bottle and AHB even got the spittoon, but I think it was just poor rather than flawed. no score.
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djewesbury
Graham’s 1970
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by djewesbury »

This was bad port, and it was spoilt. Spoilt bad port.
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Alex Bridgeman
Graham’s 1948
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by Alex Bridgeman »

Slightly hazy appearance, a mild mature red colour; 40% opaque. Sugary, syrup-stewed red and white currants on the nose but with an unattractive dirtiness to it. Decent texture but completely lacking in fruit on the palate, which is unpleasant and harsh. Not rated.

Despite what others say, although this is not a great port this bottle is not representative of what the Noval '85 normally delivers.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.

2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.
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flash_uk
Graham’s 1977
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Re: 1985 Noval

Post by flash_uk »

30% opacity, orange brown, slightly cloudy. Dusty nose, leather and tobacco. Quite light in the mouth, tiny hint of bitterness, oranges, slightly syrupy finish, no heat. No backbone, lacking tannin.
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