For the second time in a decade, Quinta do Noval has declared two vintage ports in a row, adding 2008 to the earlier declarations of 2007, 2004 and 2003.

In Vancouver-based Straight.com, Jurgen Gothe advised vintage port lovers to "start saving and keep checking" if they want to get their hands on the 2008.

The journalist has had the pleasure of tasting both the 2007 and 2008 side-by-side, crediting the former with "a fascinating full-on sharpness of raspberry, lots of black toffee and an endless finish".

Meanwhile, the 2008 is "darker, deeper, with a shorter presence in the throat … stunningly smooth".

Both vintages taste a little "raw" at the moment, Mr Gothe advised, but will mellow out over the course of 20 years.

Situated in the heart of the Douro Valley, Quinta do Noval has been producing port since 1715 and is managed by Englishman and Bordeaux resident Christian Seely.