1997 Quinta Do Noval Nacional Port

1997 Quinta Do Noval Nacional

100 RP

Featured Review

The 1997 Nacional is a legend from this pre-phylloxera vineyard. The color is a saturated black/purple. The nose reveals floral scents intermixed with coffee, blackberries, tar, cassis, licorice, and chocolate. Extremely full-bodied, but less massive and seamless, this spectacular Nacional will reach its plateau of maturity quickly, where it will remain for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2040. Robert Parker

Robert Parker | 100 RP

Surprisingly inviting, with warm plum compote, singed anise and subtle toffee flavors. The finish asserts itself in short order though, with grippy bittersweet cocoa and tobacco notes. Long, with rugged charm and muscular drive that seems to blossom with air. Decidedly different from the regular bottling.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Best from 2020 through 2050. 250 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 98 WS

Even more saturated dark ruby. Even riper but much more reticent aromas of dark berries, maple syrup and black licorice. Superripe and voluptuous in the mouth, with impressively deep, lush fruit of uncanny purity. Complicating notes of graphite, flowers and minerals. Thick but bright. Finishes with big, ripe tannins, great persistence and a very late burst of black cherry flavor. As with the outstanding '94 bottling, this wine's extraordinarily pure, deep fruit is partly hiding its underlying structure.

Vinous Media | 97 VM

(Quinta de Noval Nacional) The 1997 Nacional is a stunning young wine, but at least at this early stage, there is not a dramatic distance in quality between it and the regular bottling of the 1997. Of course, over the coming decades, this may change. At the moment, the 1997 Nacional offers up a very deep and powerful nose of black cherries, chocolate, plums, dried roses, tar, lead pencil, Cuban cigar wrappers and the first incipient notes of the brown sugar and gentle notes of honeycomb that will emerge with many more years of bottle age. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nascently complex, with a sappy core of fruit, suave tannins and simply outstanding length and grip on the focused and still very youthful finish. This will be a great wine at its apogee and there is a distinct possibility that I am underrating its potential. (Drink between 2022-2100).

John Gilman | 94 JG

Type of Wine	Port : Port wines have always been different than other European wines due to their history with brandy, and today they're highly appreciated by wine enthusiasts on all the continents. Red Port wines are typically made of Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Touriga Nacional grape varietals. As for whites, most of them are based on Gouveio, Moscatel Galego, and Malvasia Fina varieties.
Varietal	Other
Country	Portugal : Viticulture has existed on the Iberian Peninsula (home to modern day Spain and Portugal) for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2000 BC. The country of Portugal, with its 250 native grape varieties, has a long and colorful history of viticulture and is renowned for its production of the world-famous fortified wines of Port and Madeira. Beyond these rich and intriguing styles, the country has become diversified, and is now being recognized for its refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, sparkling wines from Obidos and the warm reds from Douro and Dao. In the past few decades, Portugal has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in terms of viticulture and is becoming increasingly popular for its many wine styles. Portugal may not compare to neighboring Spain’s production rate, but in terms of quality, it can do more than hold a candle. Portugal’s production of Port is, without a doubt, its fame to claim and has brought global recognition; however Its recent renaissance and its incredible array of wine styles has helped to only bring more attention to the country’s wine industry. Its annual production of 600 million liters of wine from its 195,000 hectares under vine is an incredible feat for one of the smaller wine producing countries. Many of the key grape varieties cultivated in Portugal are considered native. Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Baga and Tinta Roriz lead the way and are the most popular and important grapes grown. Portugal’s temperate, predominately maritime climate and portfolio of terroirs is greatly conducive to vinification. Its many mountains, river valleys and limestone-rich coastal hills allows for a rich and diverse range of soils. The Atlantic influences the growing season which sees high levels of rainfall allowing for high yields. This can also be a detriment and an increased risk of fungal diseases. Coastal region winegrowers has have worked diligently to cultivated ventilated sites as well as high trellising methods to keep the grapes from developing bunch rot. The international wine market is becoming more cognizant of the many great wines coming from Portugal, from the reds of Douro and Dao to the red, white and rose from Vinho Verde, sparkling renditions from native varietals to the unprecedented and world-famous Port wines. International varieties (most of French origins) such as Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Portuguese soil. Despite the arrival of these varieties making a splash, and intrigue, Portugal’s long tradition of winemaking in the region has allowed winemakers to maintain a certain uniqueness in their wines. The Old Word nation of Portugal commands global respect and recognition for its many accomplishments and contributions to the world of wine.
Region	Port : Oporto is the home to the most exceptional Portuguese wines out there. Located on the Atlantic coast, one of the largest cities of Portugal is also one of the most well-regarded wine regions in this European country. At its beginnings, Port wine was more acidic and dry than today. That was due to brandy, which winemakers added to wine to keep it stable before they shipped it to the UK. Later on, brandy was used to capture the sweet ripe grape flavors, which contributed to the maturing potential of Port wines. Vinho do Porto is one of the favorite dessert wines for many, given it's usually irresistibly sweet. However, other varieties are also known to win the hearts of wine enthusiasts all over the world with beautiful whites, and delicious semi-dry reds, whether they're aged in bottles or in barrels. There are more than a hundred different grape varieties in Port, but only five have made it to the top. Tinta Barroca, typical for the Douro region, and Tempranillo, known for its early ripening, are some of the most commonly blended ones. Tempranillo is also famous for its remarkable strawberry and plum hints on the palate. To get to know Port wines, one must not miss out on Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, or Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port.