Round 2 of 3. Taylor last week, and Fonseca next week, with the glorious Quinta do Noval this week
2017 Quinta do Noval Vintage Porto
As with the 2017 Taylor Fladgate tasted last week, this is a truly exceptional Port. Deepest purple color with red flashes- like the finest Amethyst from Africa, glorious nose with waves of spicy plums and dark fruits, fig notes, fine mineral sand textures, on the palate this actually has more fruit volume than the 2016 but also the structure to keep it all in rein, if 2017 Taylor is a muscular young Latour then 2017 Noval is a vibrant young Vogue Musigny- raging and yet elegant with the essence of crushed red and black berries coated with ribbons of baking spices and gravelly limestone, at opening the elements were more in synch than was the case with Taylor, after two days it has also become far more subdued and completely drinkable if still painfully primary, cuddly plum, blackberry and dark cherry fruits roll over the palate in waves that almost coat the strong dark tannins leading into a fine long spicy finish, countless little savories peeking out here and there- dried tea leaves, earth, blueberries and bramble, where the Taylor is majestic- this is thrilling, quite possibly the sexiest young Port I have ever tasted, I think this will be accessible sooner than most but will still require much patience to go the distance and show in full all the marvelous little nuances that merely tease at present.
(*), 2030-2100+