1963 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port

Quite stunning. This magical wine is still dark ruby at 50 years old! Still very dense, too, managing to combine finesse with a character that is a bit burnt, rich and ever so slightly salty. More throat warming (after the Colheita 1979) and such personality! (JR)

Wild nose. Drier and spicier than most vintage ports. Romany port! This builds gloriously on the palate. Rounds out on the end and wonderfully. Prunes and dried peel. Dried figs. Opened out. Vibrates. But it also has SO much potential. A magnificent monument. (JR)

Good full, deep red. Knockout nose offers red and black cherry, strawberry, spices and mint. Unbelievably young for a wine that's nearly a half-century old, offering incredible power and thrust to its red berry, spice and mineral flavors. Fills the mouth with perfume. Combines extraordinary mid-palate lift with a silky texture and buns of steel, conveying an impression of buzzing energy. The endless finish features great concentration and urgency, and utterly noble tannins. Can a 49-year-old port still be on an up curve? I hope to find out. This wine should go on for another 30 years without difficulty.