Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage 1996

Noval Nacional's prestige is partly due to its tiny production — only 200–300 cases are made in declared years (just a small share of Quinta do Noval's total Port production of between 1,200 and 5,000 cases in each declared year). Most of the Nacional grapes are recognised as the best for Port: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão and Sousão. Because of the small production, Nacional is always sold in very small quantities. On the open market, Nacional sells for extremely high prices, reflecting the exceptional quality and rarity of this Port, which attracts the keenest interest from collectors.

Deep, concentrated colour, with an incredibly vivid, pleasant and spicy nose. There are some dark, earthy and salty notes, firm tannins and incredible intensity. Very flavourful, with a lovely structure. Simply brilliant.