Quinta Do Noval Vintage 2012 ex-winery 750ml

Jancisrobinson.com, Dec 19, 2014
Noval swam against the tide by declaring 2012 as well as the famous 2011. Blackish purple well out to the rim. I find I am almost tempted to write my favourite tasting note: Mmmmm. But that wouldn't be very useful. I love the savoury balsam undertow on a great swell of intensely packed ripe black fruit aromas. Super-luscious palate entry and a real lift and elegance to this. A new direction for vintage port? It certainly isn't playing either the alcohol or the sweetness card, but is wonderfully clean and subtle. Seriously appetising. The tannins are there but in the background. Finishes quite dry and clearly set for a long, complex evolution.

Quinta do Noval, established in 1715, is one of the only Port houses to be located in the heart of the Douro Valley, instead of Villa Nova de Gaia, where the majority of other producers have their wine aging. It is also one of the only houses that is named after its most famed vineyard, in this case the Quinta do Noval. It is perhaps best known for its Nacional Vintage Ports and its 1963 version is considered by many critics to be the greatest Port ever made.

Dessert, Chocolate and Caramel