1978 Quinta do Noval

[DRT]

Served blind in black glasses here.

Slightly volatile nose. Very smooth entry - quite thick and chewy. Mouthwatering sweetness then a long liquorice finish with some heat. A semi-mature vintage port, perhaps a Taylor 85?

[Alex Bridgeman]

From a black tasting glass. Smelling faintly of wood ash and apricot which developed into a nail varnish VA. Sweet entry, ripe and attractive; medium bodied and flavoursome with sweet red fruit over a gentle acidic core; very faint tannins lurk in the background. Slight heat on the aftertaste from the acid, then a long - very long - and enjoyable finish dominated by sweet red fruit and lots of black licorice. Much more pleasant than the nose suggested; really rather good. Drunk 19 Jan 2012 after 13 hours decant. 91/100.