2004 Quinta do Noval
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Vintage Noval has a truly fabulous, intoxicating, sensual bouquet with pure ripe macerated black cherries, baked earth, boysenberry jam, violets and minerals. This might represent the finest Noval Vintage under Christian’s tenure thus far. The palate has firm tannins that underpin this more masculine Port. It is well-structured and focused, with a wonderful build toward the finish that has fig, peach skin, tobacco and cloves gliding across the mouth. For sure, seek out the Nacional if you wish, but frankly speaking I would be just as satisfied with the Noval. Drink 2018-2050. Tasted January 2014.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Blackish purple. Strong black fruits and leaves on the nose. Slightly simple sweetness plus a little rawness. It's good but it doesn’t seem quite up to the standard of the rest. Drying finish. (JR)
Noval famous for eccentric declarations such as 1931 which made its name. ‘We decided in 2004 there were some lots that I thought were utterly lovely and I thought it would be a shame not to declare 1,000 cases of these very best wines’ says Christian Seely. Broad and burly on the nose with some mulch and roasted chestnuts. Quite sweet and sour at this point. Definitely a little gawky. (JR)
Small volumes but fine and elegant. Slightly savoury, even a touch of liquorice. Big and rich and very concentrated. Young and powerful and lots of spiced fruit. Seely felt it was not showing at its best on this occasion. 3rd bottle proved him right: Much more winey and expressive with lots of berry fruit and sweet violets. Much fresher and more exuberant, brighter. (JH)