1955 Quinta do Noval

[jdaw1]

On Thursday 6th April 2017 we gathered at The Boot & Flogger to taste 1955s, partly for the 55th birthday of James Maitland of Seckford Wines.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1955 Cockburn;
• 1955 Croft;
• 1955 Dow;
• 1955 Fonseca;
• 1955 Gonzalez Byass;
• 1955 Graham;
• 1955 Mackenzie;
• 1955 Quinta do Noval;
• 1955 Offley;
• 1955 Sandeman;
• 1955 Taylor;
• 1955 Warre;
• Placemats;
• Food order;
• Planning and arrangements.

[jdaw1]

N55. By far the palest at this table. Orange colour, 30% opaque — in this company unhappy to behold. Sour nose. Palate very very acidic, with grapefruit marmalade behind. But long. I didn’t like this at all, and gave mine to AHB, who seemed to love its over-mature characteristics.

[flash_uk]

20% opacity, amber. Super sweetness on the nose. Smooth, syrupy, very gentle acidity. Pineapple and grapefruit in there as well! Much more evolved than the others on the table.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Bottled by Henekey's. Crystal clear, a pale reddish-gold colour; 20% opaque. Brown sugar and gentle rhubarb on the nose and lots of orange oil. A lovely concentration on entry, with a delicious thick texture. Intense orange and a hint of brown sugar fills the mouth yet maintains an enjoyable elegance. The palate is fabulous, rich and mature and full of oranges. Warm sugar and orange water makes up the aftertaste, preceding a long finish of burnt sugar that ends on a grassy green tone. Lovely port. 92/100. Drunk 06-Apr-17. Decanted 2 hours.