Vintus

Quinta do Noval Tinto, Douro DOC

Quinta do Noval Tinto is a lusciously big wine that will however greatly benefit with aging (and aeration).  It is pumped over in stainless steel vats, and aged in 100% French oak. 

2005 Vintage Review

"This is not a shy wine. It expresses the heat and ripeness of the Douro fruit. But it also manages to bring in superlative structure and tannins, balancing these with the black plums, very ripe berries and fresh acidity." 94 Wine Enthusiast, November 2008

2004 Vintage Reviews

“The 2004 Tinto is a blend of Touriga Nacional (70%), Tinto Cao (20%), and Touriga Franca (10%) raised exclusively in French oak. This has grip, concentration and a level of intensity that the Cedro does not. It coats the palate more. It shows a fair bit of oak at the moment, most of which should integrate nicely with age. Its mid-palate is still fairly elegant in weight, and it presents a relatively smooth, velvety feel, until the structural components rear their heads. The Touriga Nacional flavors asserts themselves with air, too.” 93 Wine Advocate, June 2007

“Very suave. Peppery at first, then fills the mouth with ripe, rich red plum, cherry and raspberry flavors, with seductive dark chocolate and hints of truffle. Has plenty of licorice notes, with silky tannins that carry the flavors through the long finish. Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2014.” 93 Wine Spectator, June 2007

"It's an elegant Douro red, so impacted in its tannins that it doesn't show itself completely without significant aeration. It seems funky at first, its volatility buoyant above a sweet caramel surface. Then the oak recedes and the tannins come on strong, mouth-ripping in their schist power. A day later, the tannins begin to relax as the aromas develop in layers of juicy black fruit. Complex and powerful, this has a long life ahead." 94 Wine & Spirits, April 2008