Porto 40 yrs Old Tawny NV 75cl

The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2016 with a bar-top cork and 169 grams per liter of residual sugar. The back label talks of "freshness," which seems odd for a 40 Year Old, but Noval delivers all that and more here. The concentrated flavor burst on the lively finish shows touches of molasses and this is far more intense than the other Noval tawnies this issue on all fronts. However, its calling card is not intensity, but its amazingly youthful and fresh demeanor. The lift to the fruit gives this an irresistibly juicy finish, letting all those flavors linger beautifully. It is smooth, sensual and impeccably balanced, never obvious. This is quite fine.<br/>The last time I saw Noval's age-indicated tawnies, I was very impressed. Nothing has changed my mind. These are among my favorites—concentrated, classic and focused. The longer they sit in barrel, the longer they can be held, but wines with bar-top corks are not meant to be held, so dive in. They certainly don't need to be aged. Remember also: no aged tawny should be drunk anywhere near room temperature. Take it out of the fridge and let it warm in the glass. Try it at different places. See what you like best. Most would suggest that 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit will be the sweet spot, depending on the wine and your taste. Finally, the others are pretty fine, too. For a young Colheita, that 2003 has a lot of pop and concentration.<br/><br/>