1961 Quinta do Noval Crusted Port

[John M.]

Decanted 3 hours. Out of the bottle was light yellow-red but darkened over three hours to a not so pleasant brown--a very basic brown and slightly cloudy to boot. Nose gave a slightly burnt sugar/marzipan note. Taste: First impression was raw honey, then with a surprising note of cooked orange but not citrusy (perhaps where the burnt sugar came from). Very lively offering nice little flavor notes--the honey, a tinge of pepper, a touch of sweet earthiness...just seemed to offer different nuances of flavor. Nice long easy finish, just a little acidic, and comes off with the raw honey again but in no way too sweet--balanced. Very enjoyable--I thought it superb.

Side Note: This Port was tasted along with 5 others in the evening. It was tied for WOTN (3 votes including mine) but also can in last on 3 other's tallys--It was either loved or loathed. The color was an issue.


95 Points

[Roy Hersh]

Fascinating TN and impressions by your group.

I have never even seen a 1961 Noval Crusted, but twice have had the 1962. Great to read about this and wish there was a photo of the bottle!

[John M.]

It was already in the Photo Section here; I really like the industrial look to the label.....here is the link

http://www.fortheloveofport.com/portrai ... p?pid=1968

[Roy Hersh]

Awesome, thanks John!