2000 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

($100) Saturated black ruby to the rim. Sappy aromas of black cherry, minerals and roasted nuts. Wonderfully concentrated, very sweet, silky and suave; like an elixir of dark berries. As it opened in the glass, the superb underlying structure became obvious. Finishes with big, building, extremely fine tannins and superb length and grip. (William Grant & Sons, New York, NY)

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: January/February 2003

The 2000 Quinta Do Noval Vintage 96 is much stricter on the nose compared to the 1997 with very pure blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry fruit mixed with cigar box and flinty scents. It does not quite have the presence of the 1997 but it has focus and breeding and, wow, leave it aside for several minutes and it repays you with intoxicating candied orange peel scents. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded and sensual on the entry with mint, orange peel, fig skin and white pepper. This is a sensational millennial Noval with the temerity to surpass the Nacional. Drink 2015-2040. Tasted January 2014.

Author: Neal Martin

Very fine young Port. Fascinating aromas of crushed fruit, tar and wet earth. Turns floral. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with chewy, velvety tannins and a long finish. Grips your mouth. A balanced and caressing Noval.

Author: James Suckling

Very subtle on the nose and not in the least spirity, slightly wild garrique edge, especially compared with Nacional 2000. Not yet expressive. Very concentrated, dense, but also elegant and subtle and harmonious. Black tie. Very very long. Coffee and chocolate at the end. Dark but not savoury. Still in its packaging. Mouthcoating richness and depth. (JH)

Author: Julia Harding MW