2003 Quinta do Noval LBV Port

[Lamont Huxley]

Opened this with a friend last night. Decanted for 3 hours before we began to drink. I saved a glass for the next day and tasted this again with 20+ hours decant time. My notes remained consistent although the nose did seem to be somewhat more generous on the first night and a little closed down on day 2.

Dark purple with a ruby colored rim. The nose gives dark brambly berries, black cherry, dark chocolate and toast. Medium sweet with fresh mulberry fruit over a smooth, chocolately backdrop and mild black pepper notes. There's a nice balance between the solid tannins and tangy berry-like acidity and the finish is quite long with a lingering chocolate and grapeskin character. Very good unfiltered LBV that will probably reward short to medium term cellaring as it has substantial structure. 89/90pts, Tasted 4/24/10

[Roy Hersh]

I seemed to like this one a bit better than you did, but our notes are otherwise, not too far apart. Thanks for the impression Lamont.

[Lamont Huxley]

My pleasure Roy. Although our scores were a few points apart it sounds like we're in agreement that this is an excellent LBV.

[dom carter]

After sitting next to Roy @ Glenn's Tasting on 30/04(and mentioning i couldn't get this easily in the UK, i paid around £25 for a bottle in Canada and flew it home in the suitcase) he recommended this LBV.

This was opened and left overnight (after initial taste which i felt needed more time for the Tannins and alcohol to soften) - A mighty LBV, Dark inky but with a brick red hue - nice tannins combined with liquorice/chocolate and cherry followed by a long Dry finish.

Liking this alot - 92 points

Now just to convince my wine merchant to hunt me some down.

Dom

[Andy Velebil]

2003 saw some really good LBV's made and this is up there among the top for sure.

[Mark D]

i couldn't get this easily in the UK

This is stocked by the larger Tesco supermarkets for about £12.

[dom carter]

Ah! thanks for that - I know someone who is a manager at a very large tesco's - i'll ask her if they stock it.