For The Love Of Port

1970 Quinta do Noval Nacional
The rarest of Ports, it is always special trying a Nacional. Only 250-300 cases are made in a declared vintage and much of this is held back by the Quinta. This was one of the best vintages produced in the last 35 years, so we were quite fortunate. Dark red, with a nose that is so distinctive. Black pastilles, graphite, soft herbs. Still tight after several hours in the decanter. A very fine palate that grabs my attention. A tannic core of ripe red fruit, some “Army and Navy” aniseed, huge length and a long finish. This was the most youthful of the three bottles I have tasted before and will live / improve for another 30+ years. 97+/100.

Nicos,

Now that is really unfair. Berry Brothers sent me a copy of their latest fine wine list last week. There, in the middle of their ports was the Nacional 1970. After reading Roy's report on this wine as tasted at the great Nacional tasting he went to, I decided to buy a bottle. Expensive, but probably the only Nacional I will ever drink.

To my great dismay, they had sold out.

And then to make things worse, you post your tasting note!!

Oh well.

Alex

Not to mention that Nicos and I did a vertical of Nacional in March that included the great 1970 but there were a few other greater Nacionals at that tasting.

I got to try 3 of the real Nacional gems again last week. TNs to follow sometime later this year.

bridgema wrote:Nicos,

Now that is really unfair. Berry Brothers sent me a copy of their latest fine wine list last week. There, in the middle of their ports was the Nacional 1970. After reading Roy's report on this wine as tasted at the great Nacional tasting he went to, I decided to buy a bottle. Expensive, but probably the only Nacional I will ever drink.

To my great dismay, they had sold out.

And then to make things worse, you post your tasting note!!

Oh well.

Alex

Alex,
Never mind. I am sure you will try it some day. I was lucky to be able to try it properly.

Cheers,
Nicos