2024 Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port, Douro Valley

More concentrated and intense, with notable purity and energy. Medium- to full-bodied in the context of the range yet approachable, with a clear sense of direction. There is both tension and concentration, carried by focused tannins that bring definition and detail.

98-99 points James Suckling

Few wines command the reverence of Quinta do Noval Nacional. Produced from a tiny parcel of ungrafted vines in the heart of the Douro Valley, Nacional is one of the world's rarest and most coveted Vintage Ports. Unlike most European vineyards, these vines grow on their own roots rather than American rootstock, lending Nacional an extraordinary place in Portuguese wine history. Only the finest years are selected for this legendary bottling.

The 2024 comes from the estate's remarkable Nacional vineyard, where ancient field blended Portuguese varieties grow on steep schist terraces overlooking the Douro. Produced in extremely small quantities, it represents the pinnacle of Quinta do Noval's winemaking, with remarkable concentration, structure and the potential for decades of development.

Deep, almost opaque purple with a vivid crimson rim. Concentrated blackberry, blackcurrant and damson plum mingle with violets, liquorice, dark chocolate and crushed rock. The palate is immensely powerful yet finely structured, with dense black fruit, vibrant acidity and formidable tannins. Dark spice, graphite and savoury mineral notes suggest extraordinary depth and persistence.

A wine to cellar rather than rush. When mature, consider it with aged Stilton, dark chocolate truffles or toasted walnuts, although a great Nacional can be most memorable enjoyed entirely on its own.

Cellaring: If declared and released as a Nacional Vintage Port, expect exceptional ageing potential, potentially 2050 to 2080 and beyond. The 2024's final release status and tasting profile should be confirmed before publication.