The team at Quinta do Noval are not shy when it comes to declaring vintages. Unusually for a great Port house they buck the trend of two or three declarations a decade, often deciding instead to bottle a more limited Vintage Port that represents the best qualities of a given year. 2018 continues their unbroken run of vintage declarations since 2011. A softer, more supple Port than we’ve seen for a few years, the ‘18 is a wine with very attractive, silky, ripe, perfumed and exotic fruit, coming after the more concentrated, classically-styled 2017. While 2017 has the potential to develop in to something truly legendary, 2018 is verily a drinkers Port that is already so charming and fruit-forward that it will be irresistible in just a few years’ time. There is of course no doubt as to its immense aging potential, but as Christian Seely, Managing Director of Quinta do Noval, said, “we have made huge strides in the Douro in terms of fruit selection and winemaking; these wines are now genuinely enjoyable young as well as old, and they do not need twenty years before they’re drinkable.”
Released at an 18% discount on the 2017 at just £270 IB per 6 bottles, it is very well priced for the quality. Moreover, with a production of 1,600 cases, the 2018 vintage bottling represents just 7% of the total production of the Quinta do Noval estate, such were the strict selection measures in place.
Read MoreWith regards the vintage itself, Christian Seely comments that “like 2017, 2018 was a year of low yields, but for different reasons. 2017 was a year of extreme drought, while 2018 was marked in the first part of the year by heavy rainfall. This meant that potential yields were naturally much reduced by the difficulties of the flowering period. Subsequently however, a long hot dry summer ensued. Water levels in the soil had been replenished, and the result of this excellent ripening period on a low yield is evident in the 2018 Vintage Port, which is magnificently ripe, profound and expressive.”
We are also pleased to be able re-offer the 2017 Vintage Port from our stocks at the original release price of £340 IB per 6 bottles. It is a vintage that all Port lovers should have in their cellar.
The 2018 is abroad and expected to arrive in August 2020. The 2017 is in stock and available for immediate delivery. Prices are listed under bond exclusive of duty and VAT. Please contact your account manager or follow the link below to place your order.