1963 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Decant: Not known - Brick red, warm and attractive in colour. 100% opaque at the centre. Absolutely wonderful nose, complex; full of mace and cinammon over the top of stewed rhubarb and star fruit. Beautifully balanced on the palate, with a big dollop of acidity leading to the complex brown sugar sweetened palate of cranberries and redcurrants. Very youthful, reminiscent of one of the reluctant 1970s. Perfectly combining intensity with balance, poise with power. A flash of the tannins on the aftertaste, then leading into a massive finish of tremendous length and multiple layers of flavour. Even at the age of 50 this remains a benchmark of what port is capable of becoming. Astonishing. 98 points