2000 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The aromas here are more lifted than in the Noval 2000, livelier and with even finer tannins. More approachable and open, too, and deeply smooth. Still, remarkably, shows its heritage of red fruits. The tannins have almost reached the stage of silk, just a very slight friction remaining. (JH)
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The Nacional 2000 is cut from a similar cloth to the Noval Vintage, and judging them side by side, there is a very similar fruit profile, but perhaps a little more delineation. The palate is pure class: sumptuous ripe black fruit, a wonderful thread of acidity, real structure and focus with a precise, elegant and penetrating finish. It mellows wonderfully in the glass, but never quite achieves the pulsating intensity of the Vintage Noval. This is a sublime Nacional, yet there is something that seems to cap its potential. This is a fine Port, but a mild disappointment considering the vintage and class. Drink now-2030. Tasted January 2014.
Blackish crimson with a little bit of development at the rim. Pretty racy nose with some ethereal character. Then wild and sweet with a note of cumin on the palate. Very different from the regular 2000. Still quite chewy on the end but only after a massive weight of sweet fruit. (JR)
Solid dark crimson. Nose seems just very slightly tired straight after the extraordinary freshness of the 2003 with a hint of dry curry powder sweatiness and then there's a bit of sinew, muscle and acidity separate from the (moderate) sweetness. Still quite chewy – very much still in the gym. (JR)