The 2000 Quinta Do Noval Vintage 96 is much stricter on the nose compared to the 1997 with very pure blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry fruit mixed with cigar box and flinty scents. It does not quite have the presence of the 1997 but it has focus and breeding and, wow, leave it aside for several minutes and it repays you with intoxicating candied orange peel scents. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded and sensual on the entry with mint, orange peel, fig skin and white pepper. This is a sensational millennial Noval with the temerity to surpass the Nacional. Drink 2015-2040. Tasted January 2014. - NEAL MARTIN

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...Very fine young Port. Fascinating aromas of crushed fruit tar and wet earth. Turns floral. Full-bodied medium sweet with chewy velvety tannins and a long finish. Grips your mouth. A balanced and caressing Noval. Best after 2012. 1500 cases made. -JS

One of the vintage's standouts the 2000 Quinta do Noval is incredibly rich and intense with a density that made me think I should reach for a spoon. Chocoate and coffee prune and date aromas; plum cake flavors. Despite the richness there is a superb backbone of acidity and ripe tannins...