1931 Quinta do Noval Nacional

[Al B.]

A bottle of this was auctioned recently (31 March) by Sotheby's in Hong Kong. The catalogue description read:

Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931
Purchased at Christies, Los Angeles, September 1991, label missing, believed to be U.K. bottled by Fearon, Block, Bridges, & Routh as indicated by branded capsule, cellar records indicate Quinto do Noval Nacional 1931, worn capsule, excellent levels, color, and clarity.

Last imbibed in 2012 and as show-stopping as ever. Glorious, spicy projection of bouquet and a complex symphony of flavours on the palate - all star anise, freshness and lingering sweetness, with such elegance of texture, fragrant intensity and total allure. Exotic and impressive - impossible to refuse another glass. One of the all-time treasures of the wine world. Serena Sutcliffe, MW.

It sold for HKD 61,500 / GBP 5,600 / USD 7,900 / EUR 6,500 plus buyer's premium of 23%.

I do hope the person who bought it was paying attention. There was also a saleroom notice on the day of the auction which read:

Please note the correct wine should be Quinta do Noval 1931. Purchased at Christies, Los Angeles, September 1991, label missing, believed to be U.K. bottled by Fearon, Block, Bridges, & Routh as indicated by branded capsule, cellar records indicate Quinto do Noval 1931, worn capsule, excellent levels, color, and clarity.

Whoops. How embarrassing.

[Andy Velebil]

Yikes. I was gonna say, Nacional was all estate bottled so something was amiss until I read further.

[Eric Menchen]

There are multiple 1931 Novals up for auction this month at Zachy's, some Nacional, some not.
https://auction.zachys.com/auctions/Sea ... d=Portugal#
The straight up 1931, estimate $3,400 - $5,500.
The Nacionals: estimate $7,000 - $10,000 each.