1976 Quinta do Noval Colheita Port

[Glenn E.]

I've had this bottle since 2009 - purchased during the FTLOP opportunity that year. I took it to The Purple Café in Bellevue to open with dinner and it was superb.

1976 Quinta do Noval Colheita
bottled 2008

Color: Dark tawny with plenty of brown, but not so much that it looks old or tired. It just looks like a nice, rich, well-aged tawny. There is a tiny bit of greening at the rim, though, so it's getting along in the aging process.

Nose: Strong butterscotch, just a hint of spirit, and some buttery caramel. There's also a little bit of something yeasty like bread, and hints of torrefaction.

Palate: Rich, very full in the mouth, sweet, and somewhat acidic. The butterscotch is strong here as it was on the nose. There's some dried apricot, some key lime, and possibly some lemon... perhaps a gummy lemon wedge candy. Brown sugar and toffee round out the experience.

Finish: Very long and enjoyable. Not much heat, but plenty of subtle flavors. It lingers easily for a couple of minutes.

Score: 93 points. Clearly a step above the 1976 Porto Rocha. I need to try the 1976 Krohn, too. This is a sipping Port, not a drinking Port. Best enjoyed while reading a book on a cold evening by the fire with a dog in your lap.