Porto Vintage 2013 75cl

The 2013 Vintage Port is a blend of 20% Touriga Nacional; 10% Tinta Roriz and 70% old vines (of which Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz predominated, the winery noted), and it was aged for 18 months in wood. It comes in at 94 grams per liter of residual sugar. This 2013 completes Noval's unusual trilogy of declared Vintage Ports in 2011-2013. The quality justifies the declarations. Showing more concentration than the fresh 2012, also reviewed, this is pointed, powerful and intense, with serious grip on the finish. The initial impression of lushness fades quickly, because this is all about the power just now. You shouldn't even think of approaching it now. This will need a consumer with a cellar and some patience. That patience should be rewarded in time. All that said, by the end of the week, after some six days open, it actually started becoming more approachable. It wasn't quite as intense as the 2011 or as open as the 2012. Falling in the middle, it will certainly need time to come into full balance and become more expressive. It will reward your patience.<br/><br/>Mar 2016 (Drink 2033-2070)

This is bright, fresh and lively, with red current and raspberry coulis flavors streaking through, picking up violet and anise notes on the long and supple finish. A charming, lighter-bodied vintage, built on purity, this will be accessible earlier.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,223 cases made, 250 cases imported. — JM