1994 Quinta do Noval Nacional

The 1994 Quinta do Noval Naçional has a gorgeous, nearly outrageous peppermint and menthol scented nose that soars from the glass with beautiful definition. Touches of clove and boot polish appear in the background. The palate is very well balanced, powerful and almost viscous in texture, counterbalanced by a fine bead of acidity. Pure and decadent towards the finish, but everything is controlled and delineated. This is only just beginning to open and show what it can do. Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.

Not that concentrated ruby. Rich and spicy. Quite unlike any other vintage port in this tasting – not surprisingly since it’s so much older. Not that much subtlety but a sort of icing sugar plus spice shaker appeal. Long and fairly rich but of course notably less concentrated than the much younger ports in this London presentation of the 2016 vintage ports. I've had better bottles of this potentially great wine. (JR)

The 1994 Quinta Do Noval Nacional is completely different to the regular Vintage Noval. The color is darker, the nose better defined and fresher, leaping from the glass with mineral-laden dark plum, boysenberry jam, orange blossom and star anis. The palate is more extravagant and intense than the Vintage Noval with baked cherries, pomegranate, black plum, white pepper and orange peel. It has a very cohesive finish that is suspended beautifully in the mouth. This elegant Nacional should age for another 30-40 years with style. There were just 190 cases produced – one of the smallest to date. Drink now-2040. Tasted January 2014.