2021 Cedro do Noval

Full specially embossed bottle all of 1,402 g. They definitely haven't got the bottle weight memo. White port grapes, mainly Viosinho, grown on Quinta do Noval's highest terraces. Spicy, floral notes on the nose. Distinctive palate. Edgy green, chewy notes on the finish. Very distinctive even if a bit more internationally polished than some of its Douro branco peers. (JR)

This is a vinho regional not Douro DOC because of the Syrah component. 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah, 15% field blend, 15% Touriga Francesa, 10% Tinta Roriz. The majority of fruit comes from the estate but c 35–40% is bought in. 100% of the grape varieties are aged in wood for 12 months, 10% in new French oak 225-litre barrels, 10% in barrels of one vintage, 80% in barrels of two vintages. A sunny but mild year, reported managing director Christian Seely. Deep purplish crimson. Fragrant and a bit stony/dusty on the nose, a more floral suggestion from the cooler vintage. Some sweetness of fruit and chocolate on the palate but more elegant than the 2020. Lovely harmony and the oak well judged. Tannins are polished and shaped for a good future. The Syrah character seems to show more here than in the 2020 but it may just be because of the cooler vintage. (JH)