2012 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Vintage Port is quite backward and slightly smoky on the nose, opening with allspice, undergrowth and sage, though the 2013 has greater amplitude and complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with a lightly spiced entry, building towards quite a peppery, tangy marmalade-tinged mid-palate that drives home the finish. Not as assured as the 2013, but it is beginning to drink well now and should do so for the next two decades. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London.
Critic scores
Mark Squires
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Vintage Port is part of our mini-vertical this issue. Since this was last seen, it has come along beautifully. It is actually richer, lusher and more seductive than the 2011, which focuses on power, while still showing admirable mid-palate finesse. That said, it really isn't as concentrated, and it certainly is not as well structured. It is still an unusually sexy Noval with a hedonistic overlay. It is pretty approachable. You may not conclude it is the best of the group, but everyone's going to adore it.
Baked black fruit, menthol, cherry, eucalypt – still very raw and crunchy. (RH)
Such power and refinement, without any oversized weight. Spirity but integrated. Profound and profoundly young. (RH)