1931 Quinta do Noval

[Alex Bridgeman]

Drunk at dinner at the George Hotel in Stamford. Opened for dinner were bottles of Coates & Seely La Perfide Rosé 2009, Chateau Lafite 1996, Quinta do Noval 1931 and Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. A bottle of Fonseca 1963 from the Althorp cellars was opened after dinner.

Decanted at 12.50. Tasted and drunk at 21.30. David Sandeman bottled, from the cellars of a collector living near Wisbech. Youthful red colour, showing to be in early maturity; deeply pigmented, perhaps 80% opaque. Young nose, full of berry fruit with just a hint of spice and birch sap. Despite its youth, the nose is beautiful with a lovely perfume. Sweet and perfumed fruit on entry, powerful acidity. Silky and balanced, with generous fruit and tannins still very noticeable. Rich and mouth filling showing to be in early maturity. Huge aftertaste, full of ripe and fragrant berry fruit. Stunning Port. If I had been served this blind I could well have believed it was a top rate 1966 Vintage Port. 99/100. Drunk 03-Feb-22 Decanted 8½ hours.

[flash_uk]

Drunk at dinner at the George Hotel in Stamford. Opened for dinner were bottles of Coates & Seely La Perfide Rosé 2009, Chateau Lafite 1996, Quinta do Noval 1931 and Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. A bottle of Fonseca 1963 from the Althorp cellars was opened after dinner.

Decanted at 12.50. Tasted and drunk at 21.30. David Sandeman bottled, from the cellars of a collector living near Wisbech. Youthful red colour, showing to be in early maturity; deeply pigmented, perhaps 80% opaque. Young nose, full of berry fruit with just a hint of spice and birch sap. Despite its youth, the nose is beautiful with a lovely perfume. Sweet and perfumed fruit on entry, powerful acidity. Silky and balanced, with generous fruit and tannins still very noticeable. Rich and mouth filling showing to be in early maturity. Huge aftertaste, full of ripe and fragrant berry fruit. Stunning Port. If I had been served this blind I could well have believed it was a top rate 1966 Vintage Port. 99/100. Drunk 03-Feb-22 Decanted 8½ hours.

On occasion, I am also drunk at dinner.