Vintus

NOVAL BLACK, Porto

From the finest vineyard in Portugal’s wild and remote Douro Valley, the greatest innovation in port seen in the last fifty years.

• • "Christian Seely recently introduced this wine in New York as a rethinking of the super-premium, multivintage Porto style. Black replaces LB, Noval’s former entry in this range, and uses top-quality fruit to create a soft, accommodating texture. The aromas are purple-black while the flavors are pure black cherry. Acidity spices it up and adds to the juiciness of the finish. It’s plump in the middle and supple all the way through, ending on fruit-skin tannin and a touch of chocolate from oak. At the level of many of the region’s best LBVs, this wine may become a staple for a new generation of Port drinkers." 91 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine

  • "'Black' is a new blend produced from classic varieties that do not make it into the Quinta do Noval vintage. There are ripe blackberries, tar, smoke and orange liqueur on the nose that takes time to open. The palate is medium-bodied, very sleek on the entry, fleshy black fruits, sloe, spice and just a hint of white pepper, leading to a very focused finish. Drink now-2020." 90 Points Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

  • "Tasted over a 3-day period. The Black exhibits the color of a red rose, from the center to the rim. It’s similar to the fine bouquet I found in some of the better ‘07 cask samples. Exuding freshness, floral scents leaning towards lilacs and a dominating essence of grenadine syrup that overlaps some bright raspberry tones. Richer and with more weight than expected, this makes for very easy sipping. My only hesitation was an initial volley of spirit, but by the 2nd day it had receded significantly and was gone by the 3rd. Stylistically sweet, with ripe raspberry and plum flavors and a smoky edginess, there’s a hint of grainy tannins that latched onto my cheeks half way through swallowing. You realize just how good this Noval is when it requires you to swallow three times. Suffice it to say the finish is beautiful and lingering. Overall, Noval Black is a very impressive Ruby Reserve that will rival any of its peers currently on the market." 91 Points Roy Hersh, For the Love of Port