1991 Quinta do Noval Nacional

[Alex Bridgeman]

A glass from the enomatic machine at Hedonism wine shop, (priced at £37.50 for a 30ml pour) London (where it is also for sale by the bottle).

A mature burnished copper with small flecks of sediment, 30% opaque. A slight hint of bottle stink, stewed rhubarb, sweet and sour sauce, all combining to be reasonably inviting. Modest entry, with lots of wood ash and hints of the bottle stink. The wood ash dominates the mid-palate and is very bitter, turning to juniper on the late palate. Modest and bitter palate with hints of baked rhubarb. Acidic on the aftertaste, then a warm creme brulee finish, warm rather than hot on the cheeks. A very long finish of bitter burnt sugar. Very disappointing for a Nacional. 84/100. 17-Mar-16