For The Love Of Port

40 Year Old Tawny Port by Quinta do Noval

Bottled 2006. What I noticed first, and how could I miss it, was the massive wave of spices on the nose. What a treat to old honker. While there was plenty going on the palate, it just didn’t seem to stand out all that much from the 20-year-old version. I also thought the 20 year old had a slightly longer finish too. While I’d never turn a glass of this down, I thought the 20-year to be ever so slightly better. Then again, these weren’t decanted so that may have played a small role. I’ve had this before and it’s shown better. 90-91 points.

Geez Andy, what'd you do open your entire order at once?

No these were from an earlier tasting. But figured it was good timing to finally write them up and post them. Takes these scores with a grain of salt though, as the bottles were popped and poured and they didn't show as good as others I've had in the past.

David, Eric Ifune and I sat and sipped this and can say that all 3 of us were really very fond of this and even stingy Spriggs, would be in a considerably higher point range than that. Something doesn't sound right, this was a spectular bottle we had or one that may not have shown great that you tried. Don't know which but I was pretty darn impressed by the Noval 40. We'll learn in July exactly which is better ... this or the Kopke. I only wish we could put other 40 year olds into the blind tasting like Sandeman etc.

Roy

Yes, I've had it before and it was far better. Like I said all these were literally popped and poured and consumed literally within minutes. So there wasn't a lot of time for them to show their stuff and why I said

Take these scores with a grain of salt though,

I know from prior experience these could and do show better.

But as the old saying goes, Some bottles are better than others

I loved the Noval 40 that we had at the Pestana Porto. I believe I rated it 95 points. One of the best Ports of the whole trip. I found it very unlike the Noval Colheitas - which I also like. The style is completely different.
-Dave-