1983 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port

[Bradley Bogdan]

Decanted 8 hours and consumed 3-30-13. Color was around what is average for a 10 year Tawny, with an above average amount of sediment. The cork was half soaked, but in mostly excellent condition, save the last 10th or so.

The nose was a wonderful mix of cherries, orange zest, baking spices and a bit of sweet chocolate. The taste was similar, tending more towards darker zest flavors, chocolate covered cherries, cinnamon and clove, and very mild warmth. The alcohol was very well balanced, and the tannins were still present but exceedingly round, more so than I have ever had in a wine before, even in wines considerably older. It is tough for me to put into words. This, combined with the more acid based tawny characteristics of this wine made for a very unique and delicious bottle.

I would wager this bottle was a bit past prime for most folks and under most circumstances wouldn't exhibit good QPR, but the bottle still had wonderful flavor and balance, as well as a truly unique tannin structure (which I would love to believe is due to its unique plots, but who knows).

93 pts.