1970 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port – Decanted for six hours and devoured in one hour by Paul & Sandy Jaouen, Dorene and me. Bright dark magenta color and fully opaque. I know upon popping the cork that this was going to be something very special. What I did not know was that my friends had never had a Nacional before, even though they really enjoy VP. The nose was stunning with fragrant floral scents, dominant plum and a backdrop of caramel, which was tantalizing. Not as big as some other ’70 Nacional’s I’ve enjoyed but I think this was just two hours short of reaching that level (my error in decanting time calculations) but still full-bodied and rich. The mouthfeel was smooth and creamy and so round and velvety, the texture adding bonus points. On the palate there was a dichotomy of fresh youthfulness and at the very same time the impression of an evolved and somewhat mature Port. As much as I tried to sort this out cerebrally, it became apparent that these two sides of the coin were indeed, both apparent. The fruit was way in the plum range with just a smattering of dark cherry beside it and layered in was a glimpse of sweet praline which added great depth on each and every swallow. Not much in the way of tannins showing up, they were refined and round and at best, subverted to the copious quantities of fruit. The finish was distinguished not only by its persistence but an underlying liquid caramel hedonism which we all loved.