1967 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

[Axel Probst]

Gentlemen,

we all know that Christian Seely is an excellent host and an outstanding director. As Ive never touched a 67 VP before in my life thinking that they are not worth the money and: Ive learned better.

To experience a Vintage Port at the Quinta itself is an unbelievable experience, especially at sunny weather with a brilliant meal with it. We arrived at the Quinta about noon and had plenty of time enjoying the surroundings with some 10y old Tawny and Novals White with salted almonds. For me it was very exciting to set foot on the Nacional vineyards with the TN very shortly prior to picking.

Then the meal started with the 2004 Douro Reds from Noval, very delicate and deep. An excellent companion with the meal that was served. The night before our group discussed whether an aged Tawny or a VP would accompany a sweet desert better and here we were to find out. Our host surprised us with a 20y old Noval Tawny and a 67 VP both at the optimal temperature. To me no doubt accured, that a Vintage Port has any real opponent at the end of the meal, but surprisingly both had their charme.

VP Noval 67 in detail: A slight brown reflection in a massive red colour. If you asked me I would have guessed it be an 85. The nose showes up with an excellent herbal-flowery combination. In the mouth you can almost chew the herbs. It is a mouthfilling, very clever wine that is hard to break up into individual notes. The aftertaste itself doesnt stay very long in the mouth but leaves some extremely nice traces that automatically moves your hand to the glass after about a minute. Not a high-tannic blockbuster, but definitely underestimated.

Muito obrigado, Christian!

Axel

[Todd Pettinger]

Wow, sounds like quite the experience Axel. Excellent note!

Todd

[Andy Velebil]

Having met Mr. Seeley last year at the Quinta, Alex is right. He is an outstanding host and a great director.