Not every interesting harvest year becomes a classic. Quinta do Noval\u2019s 2004 vintage, in fact, shows exactly why it\u2019s worth looking beyond the well-known Vintage Port vintages. Year after year, the estate captures the character of the Douro.<\/p>\n
The appeal of Vintage Port lies in the combination of a brief time in the vineyard and a long aging process in the bottle. After the harvest, the wine is bottled while still relatively young; time then plays a role in determining what can be discovered in the glass. Each bottle evolves differently, depending on the storage conditions.<\/p>\n
In 2004, Quinta do Noval released both a standard Vintage and a separate Nacional. The Nacional comes from a small plot of ungrafted vines and is a distinct selection. As a result, both bottlings showcase different aspects of the same harvest.<\/p>\n
Dark berries and plums can blend with floral notes, spices, and the softer nuances that come with bottle aging. The exact character depends on the condition of the bottle and the time the wine is given to breathe after opening. That is precisely what makes an older Vintage Port special: not every aroma is immediately apparent with the first sip.<\/p>\n
A lovely bottle to share with fellow enthusiasts and perhaps pair with the 2003: the contrast makes the influence of the vintage palpable. Best served at around 16\u201318 \u00b0C in a suitable port glass. An older bottle may contain sediment; stand it upright beforehand and carefully decant it into a carafe if necessary.<\/p>\n
Quinta do Noval is one of the Douro\u2019s most distinctive names, with vineyards that are inextricably linked to the landscape along the river. A Vintage Port from this estate offers the opportunity to follow the character of a single vintage over many years.<\/p>\n
Compare this bottle to 2003 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port<\/a> or explore our selection Vintage Port<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The 2004 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port comes from a vintage that was not widely declared, during which Quinta do Noval released its own selection. This Vintage combines the estate\u2019s distinctive signature with a pronounced character that has continued to develop in the bottle.<\/p>\n\n