Rest of World
Rest of World
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£100.13 |
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Experience the distinguished elegance of Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2011, a quintessential expression from the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted by the esteemed Quinta Crasto estate, renowned for its commitment to tradition and excellence, this wine meticulously showcases the Tinta Roriz grape’s vibrant character. The 2011 vintage benefits from optimal growing conditions, yielding grapes with intense concentration and balanced acidity. Hand-harvested from terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River, the grapes undergo careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their pure fruit essence. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle spice and complexity while maintaining its robust structure. On the palate, Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2011 reveals layers of dark berries, cassis, and a hint of tobacco, culminating in a long, harmonious finish. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, this wine embodies the rich heritage and exceptional quality synonymous with Quinta Crasto. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£90.53 |
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The Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2015 exemplifies the esteemed tradition of the Douro Valley. Crafted from meticulously selected Tinta Roriz grapes grown on Quinta do Crasto’s prestigious vineyards, this wine benefits from the region’s schist soils and optimal microclimate. The 2015 vintage undergoes careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal’s vibrant character. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes while enhancing its structural complexity. Quinta do Crasto, a producer renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects the quintessence of Douro terroir. The Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2015 presents a deep ruby colour with intense aromas of ripe red berries, tobacco, and a hint of mineral undertones. On the palate, it delivers a balanced and elegant profile, with fine tannins and a persistent, graceful finish, making it a distinguished choice for fine wine enthusiasts. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£124.13 |
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Experience the elegance of Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2016, a distinguished expression from the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted by the esteemed Quinta Crasto estate, renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, this vintner meticulously selects Tinta Roriz grapes from steep, sun-kissed vineyards overlooking the Douro River. The 2016 vintage benefitted from ideal growing conditions, allowing the grapes to develop profound depth and complexity. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit character, the wine undergoes a refined ageing process in French oak barrels for 18 months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. On the palate, Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2016 reveals a harmonious balance of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of tobacco, supported by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly embodying the rich terroir and the producer’s craftsmanship, this wine is a quintessential addition to any fine wine collection. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£221.58 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£311.33 |
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Embark on the luxury of flavour with the Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016. This exquisite red wine originates from the Douro region of Portugal, where the Quinta do Crasto estate has been in operation since the early 17th century. This wine, hailed as a field blend due to the variety of indigenous grape varieties growing on its vineyard, truly captures the historical spirit of the region. The 2016 vintage is noted for its exceptional complexity, purity, and depth of flavour. Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016 is aged in new French oak for 20 months, boasting rich notes of ripe black fruits and a supple, elegant finish. This wine's acclaim is not just limited to its taste; it is recognized as one of the most remarkable expressions of old vineyards. Dive into the intricate world of Portuguese wines with Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016. |
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Porto | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£429.97 |
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Porto | 3 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£316.80 |
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Vinous (94)Deep saturated ruby. Supersweet but vibrant aromas of crystallized dark berries, flowers, licorice and bitter chocolate. Very dense and medium-sweet, with superb concentration of flavor and lovely pliancy. Captivating hint of cocoa powder. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe tannins and an explosive whiplash of flavor. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£414.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2011 Vintage Port hasn't been seen in a while. It begins our mini-vertical this issue. Showing rich and gorgeous fruit, this is pure, young and elegant. There is still plenty of power here, but decanting a small portion for about three hours gave me some hope that it would be approachable a bit sooner than anticipated. Noval has mid-palate finesse all the time—so, too, here. It makes this very graceful, despite the power and the first lush impression. The pure power does not detract from the feeling of elegance at all, as this comes together well. Dried herbs, eucalyptus and a long finish make this special, the complexity on the finish sealing the deal. This is early in this wine's evolution, but it is beginning to open its eyes and peek out at the world. |
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Porto | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£101.38 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2012 Vintage Port is part of our mini-vertical this issue. Since this was last seen, it has come along beautifully. It is actually richer, lusher and more seductive than the 2011, which focuses on power, while still showing admirable mid-palate finesse. That said, it really isn't as concentrated, and it certainly is not as well structured. It is still an unusually sexy Noval with a hedonistic overlay. It is pretty approachable. You may not conclude it is the best of the group, but everyone's going to adore it. |
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Porto | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£111.66 |
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Vinous (94)The 2015 Vintage Port from Noval was picked from 2 September, stopping for the mid-September rain and restarting on 24 September. It has a tightly wound bouquet with black cherries, eau-de-vie, touches of sage and pencil shavings, light menthol scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly saline entry, fine depth, but not the most powerful Noval in recent years; black pepper becomes more prominent towards the finish. This Port is sleek and seductive, though probably five or six years away from being ready as there is still a bit of toughness on the finish. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London. |
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Porto | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£125.38 |
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James Suckling (98)This is a superb baby Noval that reminds me of the 1966. Chewy yet so polished. The light sweetness suggests an overall dialing back of the sugar content. Stemmy and lightly green. A truly classic Noval. Almost all from Pinhao. Buy. Better in 2025. |
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Porto | 4 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£344.24 |
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James Suckling (98)This is a superb baby Noval that reminds me of the 1966. Chewy yet so polished. The light sweetness suggests an overall dialing back of the sugar content. Stemmy and lightly green. A truly classic Noval. Almost all from Pinhao. Buy. Better in 2025. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£94.18 |
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Vinous (97)The 2017 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was picked from August 21 to September 28 under perfect conditions. It has a tightly wound bouquet that requires a lot of aeration. Eventually it reveals fabulous, detailed aromas of cassis, bilberry jam, crushed stone and pressed violets, later hints of orange blossom and quince. The palate is pure class. Saturated tannins, wonderful structure but the headline is the intensity of fruit. I cannot remember a Noval with this penetration, almost overwhelming the senses as layers of effervescent black plum and cassis fruit segue into a spicy finish that fans out like there is no tomorrow. Is this the best Quinta do Noval ever? |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£428.24 |
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Vinous (97)The 2017 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was picked from August 21 to September 28 under perfect conditions. It has a tightly wound bouquet that requires a lot of aeration. Eventually it reveals fabulous, detailed aromas of cassis, bilberry jam, crushed stone and pressed violets, later hints of orange blossom and quince. The palate is pure class. Saturated tannins, wonderful structure but the headline is the intensity of fruit. I cannot remember a Noval with this penetration, almost overwhelming the senses as layers of effervescent black plum and cassis fruit segue into a spicy finish that fans out like there is no tomorrow. Is this the best Quinta do Noval ever? |
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Porto | 10 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£443.17 |
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Vinous (95)The 2022 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was trodden by foot in concrete lagares and spent 18 months in wooden casks. This bursts forth on the nose: black cherries, raspberry coulis, licorice, cigar humidor and light pine touches. Wonderful delineation and focus. The palate is very well balanced with superb definition. Pure black fruit is judiciously spiced, with hints of Christmas cake, black pepper and outstanding cohesion on the finish. At 2,600 cases of twelve, this is a relatively larger declaration compared to recent vintages, indicative of Christian Seely's belief in the vintage. |
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Porto | 1 | 99 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£595.78 |
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Wine Spectator (99)This sports serious heft, with a core of brooding fig jam, ganache, Christmas pudding and pastis-soaked black currant notes, followed by a powerhouse finish of smoldering charcoal and tar. The feel is remarkably velvety and rounded overall, with a mouthwatering licorice root element adding to the already considerable length. Best from 2026 through 2056. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£719.38 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2004 Vintage Port Nacional is a declared Vintage Port aged for 18 months in wooden casks. An old vines field blend, it comes in at just 79 grams per liter of residual sugar, rather dry on paper and in perception. Typically graceful and leaning on elegance in the mid-palate, it is laced with some herbs and rhubarb up front. It is very aromatic and it opens with a distinctive flavor profile compared to others in the Vintage Port lineup that I had open. In the mid-palate, it seems like a very fine table wine in some ways, showing remarkable finesse and focus, and a rather dry finish. It is completely closed and gives little. The structure and the underlying concentration are all obvious, though. They are classic and they make this a cellar candidate from the get-go. Despite being over a decade old, this is tight, firm, powerful and too young. After playing around with it for several days, I saw it finally begin to blossom, to show fresh fruit and something besides austerity. By the end of the week, it was far more evolved, showing its wonderful concentration, increasingly interesting intensity of flavor and a long finish. It is never obvious, but it is always quite gorgeous. This is an old school Port on an old school schedule. It needs cellaring. If extended aeration makes it at least a bit approachable, it is not exactly showing all it has and all it can be. Be patient--even if it is more approachable in a decade or so, that won't be even close to its peak. If you're patient and young, give it a try around 2040. |
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Porto | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£983.38 |
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Wine Advocate (100)The 2017 Vintage Port Nacional is a field blend, mostly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in old wood. It comes in at 99 grams of residual sugar and was bottled about a month before this tasting after 18 months in wooden vats. In 2016, I might've made an argument that the regular Noval was better. In this vintage, this seems to be a clear choice, granting that Ports change constantly in their youth. Its siblings at all levels in the last few vintages are very fine, but this is an indisputable benchmark that seems to better them all. Rich and vibrant, this has plenty of stuffing and flavor, more than the regular Noval. Then, it adds layer after layer of power. A couple of hours of air makes both the flavors and tannins more intense. It is simply gripping—yet also remarkably fresh. It's a great Noval, and one of the shortlist candidates for Wine of the Vintage. There were 200 cases produced. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
Inc. VAT
£375.49 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Porto | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£537.07 |
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Imbued with the sophistication of the Douro region, the Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 is a treasure within the world of fine wines, revered by connoisseurs. This remarkable Port, a product of a stellar vintage, is the work of the 5th generation of the esteemed vintners, the Olazabal family. They lovingly cultivated the Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional grape varieties, in their vinification warehouse. The Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 exemplifies meticulous winemaking. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a foot treading process in granite ‘lagares’, followed by aging in French oak for 20 months. This process imbues the ruby-hued Port with an opulent palate. The tasting notes reveal an intricate structure with fruit-driven complexity, and a finishing touch of dark chocolate and spice. Each sip of Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 is an indulgent adventure, transporting you to the sun-drenched terraces of the esteemed Douro Valley, Portugal’s most distinguished wine region. |
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Porto | 1 | 99 (MS) |
Inc. VAT
£3,005.38 |
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Mark Squires (99)This old wine was acquired by Quinta do Vallado and said to be an 1866 Colheita (although Francisco Spratley Ferreira of the winery tells me he can't honestly say for sure if it is a true single-vintage Colheita, which is why it is marketed just as "Tributa"), pre-phylloxera vines. It was bottled for Antonia Adelaide Ferreira's 200th anniversary--a woman who built a lot of Douro and was the ancestor of Vallado's owners. Francisco told me (with some typos corrected) that "we think it is a true colheita, but it's impossible to be sure... We bought this wine and the owner said to me that [he] never touched ... this wine last 50 years! We believe that with this concentration and baume (13,5), this is really very old and wasn't "refrescado" (add young wines to fill the barrel).... At same time it' s amazing the acidity, especially thinking in this baume! The wine only was bottled last weeks!" I've run into my share of really old Ports recently--1863 Niepoort, Sequeira, the NV Wine and Soul "5G"--all were exceptional and all were very different. This would be my winner of that group. If you are really loaded, keep reading. Very dark in color and far thicker than the 5g (although not, perhaps, as vibrant), this is remarkably thick and viscous--there seems to be no question that it is old and concentrated. It is very complex, too. Laced with molasses and dark chocolate, and a touch of charcoal, it is enlivened by a big hit of acidity. The texture is quite caressing and sexy. Its age shows mostly in its thick demeanor. It reminds me of some century old Moscatels I've had in Southern Portugal. It is remarkably sweet and fresh in most other respects. It is a wonderful experience. There is bad news. You could predict this, huh? There were 1,300 bottles produced--and they are coming in special decanters running around $3,000 per 750ml bottle. (No, I didn't get one of those bottles, but I did get a sample taste!) |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£96.00 |
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Experience the distinguished elegance of Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2011, a quintessential expression from the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted by the esteemed Quinta Crasto estate, renowned for its commitment to tradition and excellence, this wine meticulously showcases the Tinta Roriz grape’s vibrant character. The 2011 vintage benefits from optimal growing conditions, yielding grapes with intense concentration and balanced acidity. Hand-harvested from terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River, the grapes undergo careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their pure fruit essence. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle spice and complexity while maintaining its robust structure. On the palate, Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2011 reveals layers of dark berries, cassis, and a hint of tobacco, culminating in a long, harmonious finish. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, this wine embodies the rich heritage and exceptional quality synonymous with Quinta Crasto. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£86.40 |
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The Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2015 exemplifies the esteemed tradition of the Douro Valley. Crafted from meticulously selected Tinta Roriz grapes grown on Quinta do Crasto’s prestigious vineyards, this wine benefits from the region’s schist soils and optimal microclimate. The 2015 vintage undergoes careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal’s vibrant character. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes while enhancing its structural complexity. Quinta do Crasto, a producer renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects the quintessence of Douro terroir. The Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2015 presents a deep ruby colour with intense aromas of ripe red berries, tobacco, and a hint of mineral undertones. On the palate, it delivers a balanced and elegant profile, with fine tannins and a persistent, graceful finish, making it a distinguished choice for fine wine enthusiasts. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£120.00 |
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Experience the elegance of Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2016, a distinguished expression from the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted by the esteemed Quinta Crasto estate, renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, this vintner meticulously selects Tinta Roriz grapes from steep, sun-kissed vineyards overlooking the Douro River. The 2016 vintage benefitted from ideal growing conditions, allowing the grapes to develop profound depth and complexity. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit character, the wine undergoes a refined ageing process in French oak barrels for 18 months, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. On the palate, Quinta Crasto Douro Tinta Roriz 2016 reveals a harmonious balance of ripe blackberries, plums, and a hint of tobacco, supported by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly embodying the rich terroir and the producer’s craftsmanship, this wine is a quintessential addition to any fine wine collection. |
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Douro | 4 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£175.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2018 Touriga Nacional was aged for 16 to 18 months, depending on which of two plots, in 90% new oak. It comes in at just 14.6% alcohol. More flavorful and aromatic than its sibling, the Touriga Franca, this is otherwise along the same lines. This Touriga Nacional maintains the Franca's mid-palate finesse, as well as the feeling it projects that it is the crushed essence of the grape. There's a little oak present, but not as much as you might think. This, too, will absorb the oak even better with a couple of years in the cellar, but the wood is very well handled. It is not really intrusive even now, and there is no "drenched in vanilla" demeanor at all. The tannins are very ripe, but with aeration this becomes much firmer on the finish, proving that it has the structure to age. Of all of Crasto's upper-level wines this report, it is probably this that most leans to hedonism, thanks to the aromatics and flavor, yet it is still very elegant and carefully crafted. It is never a sloppy fruit bomb. This succulent and enticing Touriga Nacional is impossible to resist, even today, but you will definitely be rewarded if you give it a few years of age to become more expressive. There were just 9,113 bottles produced, plus some larger format bottles. |
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Douro | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£307.20 |
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Embark on the luxury of flavour with the Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016. This exquisite red wine originates from the Douro region of Portugal, where the Quinta do Crasto estate has been in operation since the early 17th century. This wine, hailed as a field blend due to the variety of indigenous grape varieties growing on its vineyard, truly captures the historical spirit of the region. The 2016 vintage is noted for its exceptional complexity, purity, and depth of flavour. Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016 is aged in new French oak for 20 months, boasting rich notes of ripe black fruits and a supple, elegant finish. This wine's acclaim is not just limited to its taste; it is recognized as one of the most remarkable expressions of old vineyards. Dive into the intricate world of Portuguese wines with Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2016. |
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Porto | 1 | - |
In Bond
£328.00 |
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Porto | 3 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£316.80 |
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Vinous (94)Deep saturated ruby. Supersweet but vibrant aromas of crystallized dark berries, flowers, licorice and bitter chocolate. Very dense and medium-sweet, with superb concentration of flavor and lovely pliancy. Captivating hint of cocoa powder. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe tannins and an explosive whiplash of flavor. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£414.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2011 Vintage Port hasn't been seen in a while. It begins our mini-vertical this issue. Showing rich and gorgeous fruit, this is pure, young and elegant. There is still plenty of power here, but decanting a small portion for about three hours gave me some hope that it would be approachable a bit sooner than anticipated. Noval has mid-palate finesse all the time—so, too, here. It makes this very graceful, despite the power and the first lush impression. The pure power does not detract from the feeling of elegance at all, as this comes together well. Dried herbs, eucalyptus and a long finish make this special, the complexity on the finish sealing the deal. This is early in this wine's evolution, but it is beginning to open its eyes and peek out at the world. |
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Porto | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£80.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2012 Vintage Port is part of our mini-vertical this issue. Since this was last seen, it has come along beautifully. It is actually richer, lusher and more seductive than the 2011, which focuses on power, while still showing admirable mid-palate finesse. That said, it really isn't as concentrated, and it certainly is not as well structured. It is still an unusually sexy Noval with a hedonistic overlay. It is pretty approachable. You may not conclude it is the best of the group, but everyone's going to adore it. |
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Porto | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£88.00 |
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Vinous (94)The 2015 Vintage Port from Noval was picked from 2 September, stopping for the mid-September rain and restarting on 24 September. It has a tightly wound bouquet with black cherries, eau-de-vie, touches of sage and pencil shavings, light menthol scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly saline entry, fine depth, but not the most powerful Noval in recent years; black pepper becomes more prominent towards the finish. This Port is sleek and seductive, though probably five or six years away from being ready as there is still a bit of toughness on the finish. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London. |
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Porto | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£100.00 |
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James Suckling (98)This is a superb baby Noval that reminds me of the 1966. Chewy yet so polished. The light sweetness suggests an overall dialing back of the sugar content. Stemmy and lightly green. A truly classic Noval. Almost all from Pinhao. Buy. Better in 2025. |
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Porto | 4 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£260.00 |
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James Suckling (98)This is a superb baby Noval that reminds me of the 1966. Chewy yet so polished. The light sweetness suggests an overall dialing back of the sugar content. Stemmy and lightly green. A truly classic Noval. Almost all from Pinhao. Buy. Better in 2025. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£74.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2017 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was picked from August 21 to September 28 under perfect conditions. It has a tightly wound bouquet that requires a lot of aeration. Eventually it reveals fabulous, detailed aromas of cassis, bilberry jam, crushed stone and pressed violets, later hints of orange blossom and quince. The palate is pure class. Saturated tannins, wonderful structure but the headline is the intensity of fruit. I cannot remember a Noval with this penetration, almost overwhelming the senses as layers of effervescent black plum and cassis fruit segue into a spicy finish that fans out like there is no tomorrow. Is this the best Quinta do Noval ever? |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£330.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2017 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was picked from August 21 to September 28 under perfect conditions. It has a tightly wound bouquet that requires a lot of aeration. Eventually it reveals fabulous, detailed aromas of cassis, bilberry jam, crushed stone and pressed violets, later hints of orange blossom and quince. The palate is pure class. Saturated tannins, wonderful structure but the headline is the intensity of fruit. I cannot remember a Noval with this penetration, almost overwhelming the senses as layers of effervescent black plum and cassis fruit segue into a spicy finish that fans out like there is no tomorrow. Is this the best Quinta do Noval ever? |
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Porto | 10 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£339.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2022 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port was trodden by foot in concrete lagares and spent 18 months in wooden casks. This bursts forth on the nose: black cherries, raspberry coulis, licorice, cigar humidor and light pine touches. Wonderful delineation and focus. The palate is very well balanced with superb definition. Pure black fruit is judiciously spiced, with hints of Christmas cake, black pepper and outstanding cohesion on the finish. At 2,600 cases of twelve, this is a relatively larger declaration compared to recent vintages, indicative of Christian Seely's belief in the vintage. |
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Porto | 1 | 99 (WS) |
In Bond
£492.00 |
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Wine Spectator (99)This sports serious heft, with a core of brooding fig jam, ganache, Christmas pudding and pastis-soaked black currant notes, followed by a powerhouse finish of smoldering charcoal and tar. The feel is remarkably velvety and rounded overall, with a mouthwatering licorice root element adding to the already considerable length. Best from 2026 through 2056. |
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Porto | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£595.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2004 Vintage Port Nacional is a declared Vintage Port aged for 18 months in wooden casks. An old vines field blend, it comes in at just 79 grams per liter of residual sugar, rather dry on paper and in perception. Typically graceful and leaning on elegance in the mid-palate, it is laced with some herbs and rhubarb up front. It is very aromatic and it opens with a distinctive flavor profile compared to others in the Vintage Port lineup that I had open. In the mid-palate, it seems like a very fine table wine in some ways, showing remarkable finesse and focus, and a rather dry finish. It is completely closed and gives little. The structure and the underlying concentration are all obvious, though. They are classic and they make this a cellar candidate from the get-go. Despite being over a decade old, this is tight, firm, powerful and too young. After playing around with it for several days, I saw it finally begin to blossom, to show fresh fruit and something besides austerity. By the end of the week, it was far more evolved, showing its wonderful concentration, increasingly interesting intensity of flavor and a long finish. It is never obvious, but it is always quite gorgeous. This is an old school Port on an old school schedule. It needs cellaring. If extended aeration makes it at least a bit approachable, it is not exactly showing all it has and all it can be. Be patient--even if it is more approachable in a decade or so, that won't be even close to its peak. If you're patient and young, give it a try around 2040. |
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Porto | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
£815.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)The 2017 Vintage Port Nacional is a field blend, mostly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz, aged for 18 months in old wood. It comes in at 99 grams of residual sugar and was bottled about a month before this tasting after 18 months in wooden vats. In 2016, I might've made an argument that the regular Noval was better. In this vintage, this seems to be a clear choice, granting that Ports change constantly in their youth. Its siblings at all levels in the last few vintages are very fine, but this is an indisputable benchmark that seems to better them all. Rich and vibrant, this has plenty of stuffing and flavor, more than the regular Noval. Then, it adds layer after layer of power. A couple of hours of air makes both the flavors and tannins more intense. It is simply gripping—yet also remarkably fresh. It's a great Noval, and one of the shortlist candidates for Wine of the Vintage. There were 200 cases produced. |
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Douro | 1 | 96 (DC) |
In Bond
£295.00 |
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Decanter (96)Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! |
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Porto | 2 | - |
In Bond
£420.00 |
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Imbued with the sophistication of the Douro region, the Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 is a treasure within the world of fine wines, revered by connoisseurs. This remarkable Port, a product of a stellar vintage, is the work of the 5th generation of the esteemed vintners, the Olazabal family. They lovingly cultivated the Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional grape varieties, in their vinification warehouse. The Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 exemplifies meticulous winemaking. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a foot treading process in granite ‘lagares’, followed by aging in French oak for 20 months. This process imbues the ruby-hued Port with an opulent palate. The tasting notes reveal an intricate structure with fruit-driven complexity, and a finishing touch of dark chocolate and spice. Each sip of Quinta Do Vale Meao Port 2011 is an indulgent adventure, transporting you to the sun-drenched terraces of the esteemed Douro Valley, Portugal’s most distinguished wine region. |
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Porto | 1 | 99 (MS) |
In Bond
£2,500.00 |
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Mark Squires (99)This old wine was acquired by Quinta do Vallado and said to be an 1866 Colheita (although Francisco Spratley Ferreira of the winery tells me he can't honestly say for sure if it is a true single-vintage Colheita, which is why it is marketed just as "Tributa"), pre-phylloxera vines. It was bottled for Antonia Adelaide Ferreira's 200th anniversary--a woman who built a lot of Douro and was the ancestor of Vallado's owners. Francisco told me (with some typos corrected) that "we think it is a true colheita, but it's impossible to be sure... We bought this wine and the owner said to me that [he] never touched ... this wine last 50 years! We believe that with this concentration and baume (13,5), this is really very old and wasn't "refrescado" (add young wines to fill the barrel).... At same time it' s amazing the acidity, especially thinking in this baume! The wine only was bottled last weeks!" I've run into my share of really old Ports recently--1863 Niepoort, Sequeira, the NV Wine and Soul "5G"--all were exceptional and all were very different. This would be my winner of that group. If you are really loaded, keep reading. Very dark in color and far thicker than the 5g (although not, perhaps, as vibrant), this is remarkably thick and viscous--there seems to be no question that it is old and concentrated. It is very complex, too. Laced with molasses and dark chocolate, and a touch of charcoal, it is enlivened by a big hit of acidity. The texture is quite caressing and sexy. Its age shows mostly in its thick demeanor. It reminds me of some century old Moscatels I've had in Southern Portugal. It is remarkably sweet and fresh in most other respects. It is a wonderful experience. There is bad news. You could predict this, huh? There were 1,300 bottles produced--and they are coming in special decanters running around $3,000 per 750ml bottle. (No, I didn't get one of those bottles, but I did get a sample taste!) |
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