1931 Quinta do Noval Nacional

[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.

NN31. Bottled by Fearon Block. Decanted at 12.30. From the cellars of Althorp House. A wonderful mature brick-red colour, 60% opaque. Exquisite nose, full of dried red fruit and cinnamon and nutmeg. Just exquisite. So balanced on entry, a silk duvet full of light goose down. Settles onto the palate with no weight and so much effect, giving a warm glow over your whole body. Such elegance. Dried red fruit, perfect levels of acidity to provide a foil to the fruit. Spiced and vibrant on the palate. A huge aftertaste, so full of redcurrant cordial.

Words cannot do this bottle justice. This is the best bottle of NN31 I have drunk. Perfect Port. 100/100. Drunk 03-Feb-22. Decanted 8½ hours.

[Christopher]

Bloody excellent!