Quinta do Noval – 1996 Vintage Port – Nacional

(Bottled in 1998) The nose is fruity, fine, elegant and velvety. It reveals notes of blackberry jam and fine notes of cassis, small berries associated with touches of strawberry as well as discreet hints of spices, cardamom, racy minerality (terroir), chocolate and an imperceptible hint of cigar. The palate is fruity, elegant, perfectly balanced, relatively powerful and offers a beautiful finesse and a fine acid frame. In the mouth this Porto expresses notes of blackberry jam and raspberry associated with a hint of cherry, crunchy cassis as well as discreet hints of berries, chocolate, caramelized oak and a (very) discreet hint of dried fig on the finish. Tannins are fine, powerful and harmonious. Good length and persistence. (To store)