The Quinta do Noval Nacional 2003 is more backward on the nose than the Vintage Noval '03, with perfumed black plum, incense, lavender and spice. The aromatics here are pure and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins matched by a killer line of acidity that comes wholly unexpected given the growing season. Thus, it is extremely focused and vigorous, with superb precision and tension. This is a modern-day legend in the making, superior to the 2000 and 1997. Drink 2018-2045. 97/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Wine Spectator: "Very grapey on the nose, with blackberry and licorice undertones that follow to the palate. Massive on the palate. Medium sweet. It is supertannic, yet silky and caressing. Another super Nacional." (07/05) 94 points Pierre Rovani writing for the Wine Advocate: "The dense 2003 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port displays an impenetrable black robe. Its profound aromatics exude notes of Damson plums, blackberries, fresh herbs, flowers, and hints of vanilla. Built for the long-haul, this refined wine reveals massive thickness, concentration, and depth. Its plummy character is redolent with black cherries, violets, pepper, and figs. Even after 4 days of air this intense effort was firmly backward (possibly even more so than immediately after opening!)"
Food-Pairing
A delicious digestive, but can also be accompanied by rich old cheeses, dark chocolate or chocolate mousse.
Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão
Grapes are trodden by foot to obtain the must, then during fermentation macerate to obtain the best possible extraction in the lagares, the traditional stone vats from the Quinta. It is matured for 18 months in wooden casks in the air conditioned cellars of the Quinta, at the demarcated region of the Douro Valley before bottling.
Alcoholcontent
19,5%
Store & Serve
Serve at cellar temperature at 12 - 15ºC.
Decant before serving. Can be kept for up to 2 days after opening.
Critics & Awards
20/20 - Jancis Robinson Tasted: 12-Oct-2013; When to drink: 2020 to 2070
97/100 - Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
Tasted: 30-Apr-2014; When to drink: 2018 to 2045
18,5/20 - Vinum Wine Magazine
Tasted: 01-Apr-2010; When to drink: 2010 to 2040
98/100 - Wine & Spirits Magazine
Tasted: 01-Dec-2005
98/100 - Jamie Goode
96/100 - CellarTracker (5 notes)
94/100 - Stephen Tanzer