One of the oldest port houses, Quinta do Noval is also one the greatest. It is unique amongst the top houses in that most of their ports are made from estate-grown fruit and notably, all of the vintage Noval wines are from the single Quinta do Noval vineyard. As Robert Parker writes in his 2005 book, The World’s Greatest Wine Estates: “Quinta do Noval is unusual among the great traditional Port houses in that it emphasizes the importance of the vineyard. The aim is to produce classic Vintage Ports that are harmonious and elegant expressions of Quinta do Noval’s terroir. Strict selection in the vineyard, low yields, and strict selection again in the tasting room result in a small production.

Rating

Wine Spectator 97 points (May 15 2003) Yummy nose, with blackberries, licorice and cherries. Wonderful. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with ultrarefined tannins and a very long finish. Very concentrated, yet elegant and smooth. Best after 2014. 200 cases made. –JS