2004 Quinta do Noval

[Alex Bridgeman]

Decanted through filter paper, with only very fine sediment doing not much more than blocking the pores of the paper and staining everything a grainy purple. Deep and impenetrable in colour, still an intense and almost black tone of purple, totally youthful still. Sweet grapes and a white pepper on the nose, elegant and attractive and some amazing floral components. Light texture in the mouth, restrained rather than burly, but with some lovely complexity and a huge volume of fruit. Hidden behind the blackcurrants and blueberries are some dusty tannins and some lime-juice acidity. Delicious development. Big and perfumed aftertaste, followed by a long length of bitter chocolate and blueberry. Very enjoyable, one which will drink well for 30 years or more because of that streak of acidity. It will never be a massive or legendary wine, but will be an excellent bottle to have in the cellar when friends are round. 91/100. Drunk 10 August 2009 over 5 nights.

[Axel P]

It was my favourite from the 2004s.

Axel