97 Wine Spectator
A very fruity aroma leads to concentrated flavors of raspberry, iron, fig, dark plum, slate and smoke. Refined and unctuous, with a deep well of molten chocolate. Long finish.--Non-blind Quinta do Noval Nacional retrospective (February 2011). Best from 2012 through 2032. 200 cases made. — KM
97 Wine Spectator
A very fruity aroma leads to concentrated flavors of raspberry, iron, fig, dark plum, slate and smoke. Refined and unctuous, with a deep well of molten chocolate. Long finish.--Non-blind Quinta do Noval Nacional retrospective (February 2011). Best from 2012 through 2032. 200 cases made. — KM
92 Robert Parker
The Nacional 2000 is cut from a similar cloth to the Noval Vintage, and judging them side by side, there is a very similar fruit profile, but perhaps a little more delineation. The palate is pure class: sumptuous ripe black fruit, a wonderful thread of acidity, real structure and focus with a precise, elegant and penetrating finish. It mellows wonderfully in the glass, but never quite achieves the pulsating intensity of the Vintage Noval. This is a sublime Nacional, yet there is something that seems to cap its potential. This is a fine Port, but a mild disappointment considering the vintage and class. Drink now-2030. Tasted January 2014.
92 Robert Parker
The Nacional 2000 is cut from a similar cloth to the Noval Vintage, and judging them side by side, there is a very similar fruit profile, but perhaps a little more delineation. The palate is pure class: sumptuous ripe black fruit, a wonderful thread of acidity, real structure and focus with a precise, elegant and penetrating finish. It mellows wonderfully in the glass, but never quite achieves the pulsating intensity of the Vintage Noval. This is a sublime Nacional, yet there is something that seems to cap its potential. This is a fine Port, but a mild disappointment considering the vintage and class. Drink now-2030. Tasted January 2014.