This has been one of my favorite young Nacionals in the past. This bottle was not showing as well as it should have. It was quite a bit lighter than usual in terms of its color and lacked the full-bodied style that this wine is known for. Elegant floral and blackberry nose which leads to more black and boysenberry on the palate along with some soft and ripe plum flavors. It is much softer than any other '85 Nacional in memory, and not showing potential for long term cellaring today. Its best feature was the extremely long and delicate chocolate covered raisin finish. Although it lacked its typical verve, it was still an intriguing wine and 92 pts. today. In the past this normally has shown 2-4 points higher and needs more cellar time.

Fully mature, with warm fruitcake, lightly toasted cinnamon, sandalwood and blood orange flavors gliding through in unison. Very silky and perfumed, this doesn't have the density and drive of the modern day vintage, but there's nothing wrong with its elegance. Tasted from magnum.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Drink now through 2025. 5,000 cases made. — JM