2003 Quinta do Noval LBV Port

[Roy Hersh]

Yeah, I know ... you don't see me post Port TNs here too often. Well, the mood struck and here you go:

2003 Quinta do Noval LBV Port – An impressive effort; displaying inky, opaque magenta from core to meniscus. Heady accents of licorice, herbs, spirit and ripe blackberries provide pleasure and kept my nose planted in the glass. It’s the unfiltered variety of LBV, which Noval is well known for and is a heavy hitter that drinks more like a young Vintage Port. It was at its best the day after it was decanted. Rich, sweet cassis and blackberry syrup roll over the tongue gently, as the acidity keeps things focused, and the grip is firm yet not astringent. Noval’s ’03 is possibly the most “complete” LBV since their exalted 1994. The finish shows great length and pedigree, with a hint of youthful spirit, which should settle down with another year or two of bottle age. Enjoy it now or over the next 15-20 years. Possibly the finest LBV I've tasted from Noval since the exceptional 1997.
93+ points ~ 11/09/08

[Todd Pettinger]

I recently picked up one of these with the expectation that I would try, confirm what I already suspect, and then pick up several cases of this LBV as I love the Noval style. Sadly, I have not yet opened/tasted, but seeing this TN/rating gives me a bundle of hope!!!

Todd

[Micky Jensen]

For the EU guys, I can say that they have this at a very decent price in the airport in Helsinki, Finland at the moment!

I picked up 2 bottles 2 weeks ago, and opened one of them the weekend before christmas, at my wifes family, and it was a genuine delight. It was my first Quinta Do Noval, but no doubt an extremely nice bottle. But as it was after a huge dinner with wine, and I am not that experienced with TN's yet, I dont think I have anything else to add to Roy's notes :)

[Roy Hersh]

Glad you enjoyed it as that is what really counts. I believe it is very important to get a firm understanding of what young Vintage Ports are all about as that lays a great foundation for truly appreciating their evolution into mature bottles. You can see where they've been and how they've grown. It is no different than watching children grow up and mature ... without the diapers!