Noval / Niepoort Dinner, Garrick Club

Quinta do Noval Colheita 1964 ****

Still quite deep, amber-red; closed initially, served very cold, milk chocolate, rich, still quite firm with a touch of peppery spice, rich and structured, very youthful for its age. 16

Niepoort 1970 *****

Mid-deep youthful colour; amazingly youthful tight-knit fruit, perfumed, floral, so much more to give,  opening up in the glass; very firm, fine and focused, dark chocolate concentration, very fine indeed. 19

Quinta do Noval Nacional 1963 *****

Deep, nearly opaque, black; closed, huge richness underlying, brooding, gum cistus; incredibly fresh, firm and beautifully structured, tight and focused, tannins still quite austere, bitter chocolate concentration coming out on the palate. Powerful. Will last a lifetime.Wonderful wine, hard to better. 20

Niepoort Colheita 1957 ****

Mid pale amber-tawny; fine, delicate, creamy aaromas and flavours, deliciously sweet and caramelised, all-spice and vanilla. Lovely old wine. 18