1970 Quinta do Noval

[Alex Bridgeman]

From a UK bottling in light green glass by French & Foreign Wines Ltd of London; mid-shoulder fill, decanted off a handful of very heavy flakes of sediment. A very pale burnt sienna colour, giving the impression of being old and frail. Not much on the nose, perhaps a little apricot brandy. Pleasantly sweet in the mouth, with a slight medicinal bitterness and a good range of flavours. Slightly hot on the aftertaste, but a good and complex length of dark chocolate and bitter orange. An acceptable wine, one for drinking sooner rather than later. 85/100. Drunk 18 November 2009 after 2 hours in the decanter.