2011 - Quinta do Noval, Nacional

It has been a little while since I tasted the 2011 Nacional Vintage Port. Maybe like the 2011 Noval, perhaps I was expecting a bit more. It just misses a bit of sparkle and precision on the nose compared to more recent vintages. The palate is where it's at: wonderful viscous entry, layers of cassis and black plum fruit, blood orange and allspice. Hedonistic and ravishing, it explodes on the finish, yet the aromatics must be going through an adolescent phase. I stand by my view that this is a formidable Nacional that just requires time. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London.