The 1997 Quinta do Noval Vintage 93 has a glorious bouquet that represents a significant step up from the 1994 Vintage Noval. Initially, it is broody and bides its time before opening with dusky blackberry and bilberry fruit, leather, scorched earth and Provencal herbs. It is well-defined and barely seems to have aged in the intervening years. It is rounder in the mouth compared to the Nacional: soft and supple with a spicier finish. Packed full of flavor, this is an impressive Noval that is beginning to drink now and should continue to do so for 20+ years. Drink now-2040. Tasted January 2014.