2017 Quinta do Noval Reserva
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,400 g. 80% Touriga Nacional, 20% Touriga Francesa. Aged 12 months in French oak (35% new). A cold, dry winter followed by an exceptionally hot and dry spring and summer, resulting in an early harvest, starting on 21 August for the reds. Deepest cherry red with purple rim. More obvious oak sweetness on the nose compared with the 2018 though perhaps the fruit aromas are also sweeter -– more damson than blackcurrant. Really spicy yet floral too. Big, rich and smooth on the palate, with a touch of char and dark chocolate. Rich and rounded, just fresh enough for balance but fresh for the vintage. Nicely chewy on the finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Reserva, recently rebranded from the former Estate Tinto with just "Quinta do Noval" on the label in Bordeaux style, is mostly Touriga Nacional, with about one-fifth being Touriga Franca, all aged for 12 months in 35% new French oak. It comes in at 14% alcohol. One of the most elegant reservas you'll find, it is neither fleshy nor dense, yet it has subtle concentration. Even more, it has enlivening freshness, lifted fruit and a lively feel. It's a perfect food wine. This should age pretty well, but it is surprisingly approachable now, too, at least in terms of tannic power. The main reason it might need a few years in the cellar will be its need to acquire more complexity and expressiveness. This was bottled only about three weeks before tasting. It will be released in 2020.
About the producer
Product details
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca/Touriga Francesa, Tempranillo, Other
Red
Dry