The 1994 Vintage Port may be the finest regular vintage port I have tasted from this house in decades. Sadly the production was absurdly small (approximately 800 cases) as the new owners France's AXA want to make a qualitative statement - immediately. Opaque ruby/purple-colored with fabulous purity and richness full body moderate sweetness layers of jammy fruit and well-integrated alcohol. There is some tannin in the finish but this is a large-scaled authoritatively flavored as well as elegant example of port that needs cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2035.

Muscular and ripe showing fabulous potential. The best Noval in decades it's full-bodied with a fruity character well-integrated chewy tannins and a medium finish. A long-term wine that needs age to mellow. Best after 2010. -JS