Quinta do Noval - Cedro do Noval, Vinho Regional Duriense

Cedro do Noval, Vinho Regional Duriense

Since the day he arrived in the Douro, Christian Seely, director of Quinta do Noval, knew that the Douro valley is one of the great vineyard terroirs of the world, and had incredible potential for unfortified wines. “We are just at the beginning,” says Seely. “I told my staff when I first started here that we have to aspire to Châteaus Latour, Mouton, Margaux.”

After a period of ten years spent studying how the Noval vineyards might best produce a dry red wine, Noval released its first vintage, 2004, to rave reviews. “The inaugural, 2004 vintage release hit on all cylinders,” says Kim Marcus of Wine Spectator. “Christian Seely has successfully overseen the renovation of the famed Quinta do Noval Port estate…and is now managing the latest chapter in Noval’s fascinating history: table wines.”
 
Both wines made at the estate are from specially selected parcels of new and mature vines around the spectacular estate, and blended from four classic port varities: Touriga Nacional, Tintao Cão, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. True to its long history of continuous innovation, Noval has also been among the first to experiment with Rhone varieties in the Douro, with Syrah from estate plantings being blended into the Cedro do Noval.

  • 2008 Vintage

    Cedro do Noval is more fruit-forward than it's big brother, the Noval Tinto Douro DOC, but it stands as a serious wine on its own and a representation of the deep, floral and mineral wines that can be made in the Douro. Cedro is a reference to the famous 100 year old cedar tree that sits next to the Quinta, overlooking the Pinhao and Douro rivers.

    The 2008 vintage, the fourth vintage, is made up of 30% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinto Cão, and 35% Syrah. This Syrah component means the wine is not classified as Douro DOC, but Vinho Regional Duriense; all the fruit, however, comes from the Noval vineyards. 

    • "This has a tons and tons of charm. If it will never be the biggest “wow” wine or the most obvious, it will be something irresistible that matches perfectly with food. Just as a cherry on top – it is well priced, too, and indeed, it may have become the best deal in the Noval lineup. It should age well, too. The 2007, incidentally, is drinking beautifully these days and although slightly different in style, it is really hard to choose between them. Drink now-2019." 90 Points Wine Advocate 

  • 2007 Vintage

    Cedro do Noval is more fruit-forward than the Noval Tinto, with refreshing acidity, and ready to drink at present. Cedro is a reference to the famous 100 year old cedar tree that sits next to the Quinta, overlooking the Pinhao and Douro rivers.
     
    The 2007 vintage, the third vintage, is made up of 30% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinto Cão, and 35% Syrah. This Syrah component means the wine is no longer classified as Douro DOC, but Vinho Regional Duriense; all the fruit, however, comes from the Noval vineyards. 

    • “Very pure tasting, with elegant red cherry, plum and smoked meat flavors. Raspberry, olive and savory herb notes fill the chiseled finish. Shows real pedigree with fine tannins and plenty of power.” 92 Points Wine Spectator

    • "A blend of 30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Syrah and 10% Tinta Roriz. Sweet black cherry fruit with an almost port-like sweetness, though the fruit is much lighter. Very soft (apparently the influence of Douro-grown Syrah) with a touch of vanilla on the finish. Easy, gentle. Though I think this may have seemed softer than it is, coming not long after I had tasted the LBVs." 16/20 Jancis Robinson