2003 Quinta do Noval LBV Port
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:11 pm
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
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