Quinta do Noval 10 Year Old Tawny, Douro Valley

This is the youngest of the Noval Tawnies with an age indication, and made from 50% Estate fruit with the balance from A-grade producers in the heart of the Douro Valley. Alongside Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca and Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional and Sousão now enter the story. The grapes are foot-trodden and fermented in the traditional lagares of the Quinta. After fortification, the wine is moved to old oak barrels of 640 litres for ageing. 

Wines selected to become part of Noval’s chain of aged Tawnies are chosen from only the finest remaining Ports after the selection of the Vintage Port has been made. The finished wine is a blend across vintages with an average age of 10 years. It displays complex, lifted aromas of Christmas cake and toffee, with Noval’s elegantly structured palate and a long, dry finish. A superb example. 

I've been tasting a lot of port recently and on several occasions this particular wine has really stood out as being much more vigorous and satisfying than its peers.  It has that slight touch of rancio that comes from many years in wood but mainly it is a thoroughly delicious blend of fruit and nuts (no chocolate).

Jancis Robinson MW

 A fresh, vibrant style, showing cherry and redcurrant pâte de fruit notes, with blood orange and rooibos tea flavors. Light cinnamon and mineral nuances add to the streamlined finish. 

92 points James Molesworth Wine Spectator