Quinta do Noval : Vintage Nacional 2003

The dense 2003 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port displays an impenetrable black robe. Its profound aromatics exude notes of Damson plums, blackberries, fresh herbs, flowers, and hints of vanilla. Built for the long-haul, this refined wine reveals massive thickness, concentration, and depth. Its plummy character is redolent with black cherries, violets, pepper, and figs. Even after 4 days of air this intense effort was firmly backward (possibly even more so than immediately after opening!). Projected maturity: 2035-2055. Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000

This is a fantastic young Port with depth and richness. Dark berries with forest flower, bark and spice. Full-bodied yet compact and beautiful. Rich finish. Just a baby. Real and typical. Better to leave this for four or five more years.

Dark, intense, deep, uniform and beautiful color, with great youth. An intense, fine and complex nose, with deep nuances of fruit and almonds. On the palate, once again, a sense of mystery takes over. Everything is in place: generous body, juicy, melting mid-palate, deep, intense, very long finish, plus an incredible impression of rare sensations. Grand Vin.