For The Love Of Port

The 1931 Quinta Do Noval was the worst looking of three bottles that I own, mainly because the cork showed signs of seepage and the fill was low neck. I was nervous yet optimistic about the contents of what I had always heard to be one of the greatest vintage Ports of all time. Immediately upon opening my fears subsided. The first thing I noticed was the sweet smell of raisins, grape, and sweet pipe tobacco. The color was super dark, almost ink like, and could easily pass for a 1983 vintage. If the cork wasn't clearly branded I would almost think the Port was fake because of the color alone! On the palate were cherries and plum with a bit of spice and a sweet and sour-like grape taste. The '31 Noval was perfectly balanced with tons of fruit and a very smooth lingering finish. I could easily see a pristine bottle rate at 100.

Tasting Date: December 19,2009

Sean C. 98/100

Nice note Sean. It is still the greatest old Port I've ever had and this is one I've enjoyed a handful of times over the past dozen years, all except once... great bottles.

What a dream bottle! I'm glad it showed well. You never know with Port - ugly bottles on the outside and beautiful wine on the inside