2000 Noval - Vintage Port ($80) 
There are many situations when the quality of a great vintage lifts an otherwise average or even good wine. This can even bolster the reputation of a winery through one growing season - virtually overnight in terms of wine. Likewise, there is often occasion to cite of one of my favorite mantras: "great winemakers make great wine, regardless." This is commonly true even in so-called "lesser" vintages. But, oh, when those two forces of vintage and winemaking align perfectly like they did for 2000 vintage Oporto, you have myriad instant classics!
This wine, at this price is phenomenal. Perhaps we have a case remaining in stock because Port is often a second thought, or a seasonal interest (another unfortunate fact). It could be the idea for some that they’ll have to wait 20 years or more to let the wine reveal everything it will have to offer.
Well really, that’s one of the beauties of this wine and other ports. You can drink them young if you have the right foods (cheese course anyone?) and if you can deal with a mouthful of big wine. Truly, the details will show and the tannins are often sweet. This port will surely be something different in 20 years - more elegant, even graceful. Nuance will change, but performance will be awesome on both sides of its life. For now, I promise great cheer in the glass: black cherry, blackberry, mocha, anise, grape gumdrops-all neatly served in a fairly silken package. This wine was delicious with 75-year old balsamico drizzled over flank steak, with a walnut crust and Portobello/truffle shavings. Wow!
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