The 2013 Vintage Port from Noval is a little more seductive on the nose compared to the 2014, blackberry and raspberry, very floral and still not unlike a fortified Margaux, which is no bad thing. The palate is really wonderful with fine but firm tannins, plenty of freshness, notes of allspice and white pepper filtering through the layers of black fruit yet with a sense of weightlessness on the finish. This 2013 maybe pulls ahead of the succeeding two vintages in time. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London. -- Neal Martin

The 2013 Vintage Port is part of our mini-vertical this issue. Still tight, intense and showing plenty of power to go with its finesse, this evolves beautifully with air. The firmness on the finish here is impressive, giving this a chance to continue developing beautifully. It is not as expressive as the 2012—it is a bit more backward—but it is a more serious wine in many ways. I'm still a believer in this, although it certainly seems a step behind the biggest winners in the mini-vertical. This has some questions to answer in the cellar, but I think they will be answered to the satisfaction of most. - Mark Squires

Noval has often in the past released a Vintage Port in years when other producers hold back. And, as in the past, the release is justified. For this is an impressive, dense and seriously age worthy Port. While it has plenty of perfumed jammy red fruits and balanced acidity, it is the dark tannic character that will sustain this wine for decades. It could be drunk now for its fruit, although that would be a shame. Better to wait until 2030 and longer.

Powerful and rich, with deep flavors of crushed red plum, dark cherry and dried raspberry, featuring a shading of graphite and smoke. Presents luscious spicy details on the finish. Drink now through 2045. 250 cases imported. –KM

Wow. Fantastic aromas of crushed berries, stones, light raisins and tar. Full-bodied, lightly sweet, with solid grip and extremely fine tannins. It lasts for minutes. Very few declared this as a vintage but Noval decided to make a tiny amount. And they certainly made the right decision. Needs four to five years to come completely together. Reminds me of the excellent but forgotten Noval 1967. This bottle celebrates Noval's 300th anniversary.