Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port

Quinta do Noval's Late Bottled Vintage Port is arguably the finest LBV produced by any house, offering a level of concentration and refinement that blurs the line between LBV and true vintage port. Noval applies the same single-estate philosophy and quality standards to this wine as to their premium releases, and the results are remarkable.

The nose is intense and complex for an LBV. Black cherry and ripe plum are joined by dark spice, fresh violet, and a mineral graphite note that is Noval's calling card. On the palate, the concentration is impressive. Blackberry and pomegranate are supported by dark chocolate and slate minerality, with polished tannins providing structure that is more serious than most LBVs dare to attempt.

The finish is notably long for the category, with mineral purity and a refined, persistent dark fruit character that recalls the house's vintage ports in miniature. This is an LBV that does not know its place — it competes with wines that cost twice as much.

Quinta do Noval's LBV is the wine to choose when you want something that transcends the LBV category. It is more expensive than most competitors, but the additional investment buys a wine of genuine class and distinction. For a special midweek dinner or when you want port quality without the cellaring commitment, this is hard to beat.