Scoring 18+ Dionysian points, the 1974 Quinta Do Noval Colheita Porto cost cost about $45 when it was bottled in 2001, now worth $225. It has 20.5% alcohol, but shows no heat at all.

Colheita Ports are Tawny Ports from a single vintage. This was mouth-filling with caramel, oak-smoke, and an herbal note.

IMG_6566

Served with blue cheese, walnuts, pear slices, and some blueberries. It made a frosty evening warm. Colheitas are dessert in themselves.

At 45 years old, the Porto was a style even new Port drinkers would enjoy, and it was a treat for experienced lovers of older Porto. I think it will hold well for two more decades.  In Vino Veritas.