2007 Quinta do Noval

Very dark and glossy purple. Intensely muscular, aromatic nose and then much sweeter on the palate than the nose suggests. Chewy still and a tad raw but there is no shortage of raw material here! Lots of grip but it's smothered by the ripe fruit. Very flattering. Lots of energy (they have kept some 2007 Nacional in barrel but used some in this blend). (JR)

Closed, brooding nose with dark fruits, lots of density and concentration but not massive tannins, needs a lot of time to tease out the complexity. (RH)

The 2007 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is a star of the vintage. Dense purple-colored, it gives up an already complex aromatic array of lavender, Asian spices, incense, and an amalgam of black fruits with a hint of chocolate in the background. Plush and mouth-filling, this large-scaled Port manages an uncanny blending of elegance and power. Long and savory in the finish, it will continue to blossom for another 20+ years and drink well through its 50th birthday if not longer. One of Oporto’s famous names, Quinta do Noval decided not to produce its flagship Nacional bottling in the 2007 vintage. The two Ports it has chosen to release are first class in their own distinctive styles. Importer: Michael Quinttus, Vintus Wines, New York; tel. (914) 769-3000; fax (914) 769-7112