2007 Quinta do Noval LBV

The 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Touriga Franca and 20% Tinta Roriz and 20% Tinta Cão, aged in Douro in used tonels. It comes in at 91 grams per liter of residual sugar. It was bottled in November 2012. This opened a touch disappointing. It has ripe, but lively tannins and a fresh, completely charming feel to it. However, considering how often I've loved wines from this vintage, it just seemed far too understated for this big vintage. I made a point to retaste the next day (and often for several more) and it was like dealing with a different wine. It fleshed out, became a bit livelier and more intense, but most of all it showed off rich, utterly delicious flavors. If it doesn't have the intensity of the 2005 in Noval's vertical, it does everything else beautifully and I tried not to swoon on Day 2. On Day 3, it was a oddly understated again on opening and the '05 once again seemed far superior, but the tannins kicked in, the wine gripped the palate again with air, and it became rich, chocolaty and more complex. Overall, it sings nicely.