Description and Reviews: Review Scores *** 97/100 - James Suckling ***
*** 17.5+ /20 Richard Mayson ***
*** 97/100 Vinous (Neil Martin) ***
*** 17.5/20 - Jancis Robinson ***
Christian Seely (MD Noval) believes the 2017s "to be exceptional":
“I consider these wines to be among the best that I have known during my time at Quinta do Noval. The decision to declare them was a very easy one. As is well known, at Quinta do Noval, we do not hesitate to make small declarations of our Vintage Ports even in years which are not being generally declared, provided that the quality is excellent. But the 2017 is clearly an exceptional year which I believe will be remembered as one of the historic Vintage Port declarations of Quinta do Noval.”
Tasting Note
This is a powerful, attention-grabbing wine, with taut muscularity. It offers magnificent aromas of rockrose, mint and hints of ginger. The substantial palate is full with expressive black fruit notes lifted by peppery schist tannins (the ‘seasoning’ provided by the Sousa?o). The long, lingering aftertaste indicates impressive ageing potential.
