1963 Noval opinions?

[Glenn E.]

I have located a 750 of non-Nacional for a very reasonable price. The notes in the TN section do not really help, as they're almost all from magnums.

Any opinions on the quality of 1963 Noval?

[Axel P]

Rather disapointing for a 63. Fading and light. Had it 6-7 times already, three times the last 5 years. Suggest to buy it only if the price is really good.

Let me know what you do.

Axel

[Glenn E.]

Thanks Axel. The price is $85, which is quite low for a '63 in the US.

Hmm. I just bought several bottles of 1970 Royal Oporto, which could also be described as fading and light. I enjoyed the first of those that I opened, but those bottles were only $30 so the QPR was bound to be good. I doubt I would be as satisified if they had been $85.

I'll probably buy it anyway... it's just one bottle.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Glenn,

I like the '63 Noval, but it is very variable. I have had elegant, mature and probably gently fading examples (which I have thoroughly enjoyed) and also much darker and more robust examples which I would have gussed were wines 10 years younger.

But for $85 - I would probably buy the one bottle just to be able to try it and make up your own mind.

Alex

[Axel P]

Does it say which bottling it is?

Axel

[jdaw1]

I’ve had fantastic. I’ve had mediocre. I’ve had poor. Very variable is Noval 1963.

[uncle tom]

$85 is about the same as the UK auction price, so very good for the USA.

I have a stash (a Berry's bottling) but have never opened one - the bottles being pristine, with good levels, capsules and labels; they have never incurred my wrath..

Tom

[Glenn E.]

Does it say which bottling it is?

Sadly, no. I've put in a bid, we'll see whether or not I actually win the lot.

[Portman]

I'd say that at that price it is worth the risk. Great find.

[Glenn E.]

Looks like I won the auction.