A blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinto Cão, this emblematic red comes from some of the same vineyards as the Noval Vintage Ports. The 2007 is a tour-de-force and a striking example of what the Douro is capable of producing. This is comparable, we have little doubt, to a fine Priorat, Bordeaux or Châteauneuf-du-Pape in terms of depth and potential longevity. How to describe this then? Try to imagine an amalgamation of the broad based aromas of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the minerality of a Priorat, the flesh of a young St Emillion and the seductive savoury structure of a Medoc. The 2007 Quinta Do Noval has something of all those characters and is also clearly endowed with the great depth, finesse and elegance that are the constant characteristics of this Estate's finest wines. Like the Noval ports, this too is structured, profound and very age worthy. Stick it away for at least 5 years and enjoy over the following decade and a half.
Note: Packaged in wooden 6-packs.
"Displays intense aromas of red plum and dark cherry, with finely chiseled flavors to match that are joined by briary notes and hints of mint, savory herb and Asian spice. The long, lush and powerful finish is quite creamy. An elegant red." 95 Points, Wine Spectator, Feb 2010
"The colour is a blood deep, crimson and the nose offers very enticing, swirling aromas that have some high, incense and Sandalwood notes as well as fragrant fruit: there's a lot of floral and hawthorn lift to refined black fruit and an edge of something liquoricy. In the mouth this has great cut and focus: there's a finely-honed edge to this wine immediately as it strikes the palate. Acidity is part of the picture, as are very fine but needle point tannins, but it is also to do with the clarity of the fruit and the cedary, understated toast and char of the wood. It stays quite fleshy but always tight through the mid-palate, finishing with a clean, fruity but very savoury appeal. This is the epitome of a structured wine in many ways, with a central core on which everything hinges. It could have considerable ageing potential." 95/100. www.winepages.com