2000 Quinta do Noval
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Tasting notes
Rich, spicy, slightly earthy. A hint of ginger biscuit, strange as that may sound. Firmly built and quite closed – still clearly has immense potential even if it is rather shy today. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2000 Quinta Do Noval Vintage 96 is much stricter on the nose compared to the 1997 with very pure blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry fruit mixed with cigar box and flinty scents. It does not quite have the presence of the 1997 but it has focus and breeding and, wow, leave it aside for several minutes and it repays you with intoxicating candied orange peel scents. The palate is medium-bodied, rounded and sensual on the entry with mint, orange peel, fig skin and white pepper. This is a sensational millennial Noval with the temerity to surpass the Nacional. Drink 2015-2040. Tasted January 2014.
Dark crimson although the rim looks more youthful and bluer than that of the Nacional 2000. Lifted nose with strong purple-fruit flavours. Much softer and sweeter on the mid palate than the 1997 although there are marked, almost jagged tannins on the finish. Some blackcurrant notes. Youthful and without quite the excitement of the 1997. (JR)
A bit reduced and often needs a long time in the decanter. Christian Seely is an especial fan of this vintage. 'Probably one to wait for, although I haven’t been.' Mid crimson with a ruby rim. Heady and opulent with a floral note and some putty. More obviously sweet than some vintages of this wine. (JR)