The 2004 Vintage Noval has a truly fabulous, intoxicating, sensual bouquet with pure ripe macerated black cherries, baked earth, boysenberry jam, violets and minerals. This might represent the finest Noval Vintage under Christian’s tenure thus far. The palate has firm tannins that underpin this more masculine Port. It is well-structured and focused, with a wonderful build toward the finish that has fig, peach skin, tobacco and cloves gliding across the mouth. For sure, seek out the Nacional if you wish, but frankly speaking I would be just as satisfied with the Noval. Drink 2018-2050. Tasted January 2014.

With its inky dark color, this is darkly dense, a huge mouthful of black fruits and dark, initially medicinal flavors and firm, concentrated tannins. It will age 20 years at least, but its sweet, ripe fruit suggest it could be drunk much earlier than that.——R.V.(11/1/2007)—— 93