NV Quinta do Noval Black Ruby Reserve Port
Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 8:13 pm
Hey, everyone else is trying it, so I figured I should try it too!
NV Quinta do Noval Black Port
Color: Very dark ruby, almost garnet. Not as opaque as I expected for something this dark, though.
Nose: Red raspberry with a little bit of black raspberry. Some alcohol and just a hint of confectioner's sugar.
Palate: Relatively tart entry followed by milk chocolate and ripe red fruits (raspberries, tart strawberries, and tart cherries). Strong tannins and good acidity - both more than expected in a Ruby Reserve. I get a medium full body, but somehow I feel like I'm just guessing. I'd put it just on the dry side of neutral sweetness. There's a bit of an edge to the late palate which turns into a bite during the early stages of the finish. While the fruits are nice for what they are, they're a bit one dimensional in that there aren't many layers to them.
Finish: Starts out with a bite and then some warmth. The fruits feel a bit raw and unfinished and there's quite a bit of grape stem, but the finish is quite long.
85 points. A solid QPR at $18, but really not something I'd personally seek out to purchase. As slow as I drink Port, I'd rather pay 25% to 50% more and get a very nice LBV. It is bold enough and strong enough to fend of a big juicy steak, though, so if (like me) you enjoy drinking Port with your dinner as well as after, this could be a good cellar defender for you.
NV Quinta do Noval Black Port
Color: Very dark ruby, almost garnet. Not as opaque as I expected for something this dark, though.
Nose: Red raspberry with a little bit of black raspberry. Some alcohol and just a hint of confectioner's sugar.
Palate: Relatively tart entry followed by milk chocolate and ripe red fruits (raspberries, tart strawberries, and tart cherries). Strong tannins and good acidity - both more than expected in a Ruby Reserve. I get a medium full body, but somehow I feel like I'm just guessing. I'd put it just on the dry side of neutral sweetness. There's a bit of an edge to the late palate which turns into a bite during the early stages of the finish. While the fruits are nice for what they are, they're a bit one dimensional in that there aren't many layers to them.
Finish: Starts out with a bite and then some warmth. The fruits feel a bit raw and unfinished and there's quite a bit of grape stem, but the finish is quite long.
85 points. A solid QPR at $18, but really not something I'd personally seek out to purchase. As slow as I drink Port, I'd rather pay 25% to 50% more and get a very nice LBV. It is bold enough and strong enough to fend of a big juicy steak, though, so if (like me) you enjoy drinking Port with your dinner as well as after, this could be a good cellar defender for you.