Quinta do Noval Nacional 1963

The 1963 Nacional's opaque purple color is remarkable, looking more like a 1992 than a 33-year old port. The wine possessed a fabulously smoky, cassis, black-cherry, peppery nose. After thirty minutes in the glass, fruitcake notes and more evolved aromas emerged. This port is so concentrated it defies belief, with extraordinary balance, and, like its two siblings, well-integrated alcohol and tannin. The impression is one of a silky, succulent, voluptuously-textured mouthful of exceptionally extracted port. This is a legend in the making. In 30-40 years it may well be considered, along with the 1931, as one of the greatest ports ever produced. Those lucky few with a bottle or two should plan to hold onto them for another decade before pulling the cork. It, too, is a hundred-year port. Drink Date 1996 - 2096

Quite stunning. This magical wine is still dark ruby at 50 years old! Still very dense too managing to combine finesse with a character that is a bit burnt, rich and every so slightly salty. More throat warming (after the Colheita 1979) and such personality! 2010 - 2080