For The Love Of Port

First shot with a Nacional (and probably one of the few in my life). I recently acquired it at a "good price" at an auction.

Drink from the opening until almost 6 hours in the carafe (Quinta do Noval recommended 2 hours).
When opening the Port seems good... phew!

There was a little fruit left, brown sugar, hazelnut and wood. Some fat in balance and finesse, still some sweetness with good acidity very present in a long finish. As it warms up, everything becomes more expressive (even powerful) and concentrated while retaining its finesse. A slight impression of orange makes everything more complex.

I didn't get the big WOW factor. Maybe my expectations were too high. I also drank the majority of the Port probably too cold (16-18 degrees). Once warmer it got better but the bottle was running out. Despite everything I can sleep in peace : I had a good Nacional on point.

While it has been a bit since the last time I had this, I recall it being very dark colored and youthful still. Sounds like your bottle was very advanced, possible bad cork or not stored well at some point.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=258 ... 3698461077
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=258 ... 3698461077
I'm not sure if you can see the pictures.

I don't think the bottle was perfect, but I don't think I got a bad bottle (or one with a defect).
The structure (tannins, acidity and power/finesse) seemed good especially once more warmed up. Yes, the fruit was lacking but everything else was pleasant (hazelnut, caramel, brown sugar, brown sugar...).

Yes was able to see pics. Thanks. Definitely sounds like an off bottle. It should be Dark, youthful and not as advanced as what your described.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:11 pm Yes was able to see pics. Thanks. Definitely sounds like an off bottle. It should be Dark, youthful and not as advanced as what your described.

AH! ... Thanks for the answer. I'm not sure bu If a drunk an off bottle it was still very good. Finally everything will stay in my memory.