A mature burnt orange colour that is quite dark; 60% opaque. A lovely nose of rich fruit salad and tobacco leaf, complex and really delicious. Balanced entry with fresh fruit elading to a fine mid-palate that delivers layer after layer of flavour. The palate shows perfect maturity and is on a plateau and has impressive levels of complexity. The aftertaste is mouthfilling with a dry dark chocolate and green pepper. Fabulous finish of medium length. This is great port that is in no rush to be drunk. 93/100.
Top Ports in 2021: Niepoort Garrafeira 1931; Niepoort VV (1960s bottling) and Cockburn 1969 Single Harvest Tawny
Top Port in 2022 so far: the most stunning bottle of Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port.
Tasted at Dow's Quinta do Bomfim in Pinhao, so the setting may have coloured my opinion a little...! This was their VP of the day and I caught the end of the bottle, only a few sips, however enough to be rather taken with it. Ripe red fruits on the nose, redcurrant and strawberries. More of the same on the palate, somewhat jammy with some spice and the tannins bringing a little dryness. Rather lovely!