Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2000 Noval "Silval" Vintage Porto

Since we didn't have any cheap Ruby Port available for fresh cranberry sauce, I opened this inexpensive little gem. I've had a few of these over the past few years and I've always been impressed. Delivers all the punch of a nice Vintage Port for the price of an LBV. It's no surprise, even at 10 years old, that the 2000 Quinta do Noval Silval Vintage Porto retains its saturated purple color. Slightly murky, it doesn't appear to have aged one bit. Beautiful aromas of graham cracker, black licorice, freshly-crushed berries and just enough alcohol to remind you that you're drinking Vintage Port. Quite sweet on the palate with waves of the aforementioned berry fruit and licorice. The nicely-balanced fruit, tannins and acidity suggest the wine is just now starting to hit its stride and will develop in the cellar for at least another decade; perhaps longer. Not bad for a $30 bottle of Port. Delicious with a handful of bittersweet chocolate chips.

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