1997 Quinta do Noval Colheita (bottled 2012)

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottled 2012. Rusty brown colour, 50% opaque. Limes and black treacle on an explosive nose. Balanced but assertive on the palate, with a huge dose of acidity on the attack, then the subtle range of clover honey, sweet lime and honeycomb crunch. A big finish with residual acidity balanced by a creme brulee toasted sugar. A long, lingering aftertaste allows the brown sugar to dominate; but lacking slightly in balance on the finish. 87/100. Drunk 16-Sep-13