1985 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

[Andy Velebil]

I've only had this once before, but the bottle was corked so I was very curious to see how this would show. I've heard its not the best of bottles from Noval and this bottle proved to be no different. A very light pale ruby that was very advanced for a 23 year old VP. A very light bodied VP that was very boring and simple. There was light bright red fruit and it was easy drinking, but it was just a simple VP that was fully mature, and to be honest, boring to drink. If this bottle is indicative of others I would start drinking up as it won't get any better than it is today. 85 points.
08/08/08

[Roy Hersh]

Your bottle showed exactly as I've found this wine going back even to the middle 1990s. I don't think I've ever scored it higher than the last two digits of the vintage. Lackluster for a Noval and showed why the Ports of Noval were on a serious decline leading up to the sale in 1993.