2024 Quinta do Noval Nacional

The 2024 Nacional Vintage Port comprises just 167 cases this year, the same as in 2022. Picked on September 30, it is made in exactly the same way as the regular Vintage Port, the fundamental difference being that the field blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cao, Tinta Roriz and Sousao was planted on its own roots, hence the name, as if attached directly to Portuguese soil. The wine was aged in oak and chestnut casks. This vintage, there is a striking difference between the Nacional and the regular Noval: incredibly intense aromas of black plum, clove, licorice, bouquet garni and hints of curry leaf. It is endowed with astonishing depth; nothing is held back here unlike many 2024 Vintage Ports. The palate is comparatively quite rich, verging on decadent. Quite lavish, saturated tannins, satin-like in texture with beautifully pitched acidity so that it all seems so effortless and you almost overlook its untrammelled horsepower. Layers of black plummy fruit, allspice and licorice frame the finish that fans out on the palate. This Nacional sings from a different hymn book to other Ports in 2024. Long may it do so. 99 points