This is the first VP released under the Quinta do Noval label for several years and there are only twenty dozen available for Australia. While it may seem strange to compare the style of a Vintage Port to Burgundy; the same elegance, succulence and damn deliciousness of the finest 2007 red Burgundies can also be found here. I recall visiting Quinta do Noval in 2008 and tasting through the barrels samples of the 2007s, including Nacional. At Noval, the different grape varieties from the various parcels of the vineyard are vinified separately and then blended at the end. Without going in to too much detail, the wines blew me away for their freshness, elegance and sexy, silky textures. You could have drunk them then and there (and I certainly did not spit everything!)

The final result is now in bottle and it is as thrilling as young VP gets. It has certainly put on some weight since I saw it last but it remains “classic Noval” simply because it is so unbelievably refined, balanced and pure. In fact the finesse of the wine reminds me of Nacional (there is some Nacional fruit in there of-course). It will be an unusual VP in so far as it should drink well young but will also age for decades. The best of both worlds. This makes sense in the light of the growing season which was cooler (relatively speaking) and longer in the Douro, as it was for much of Europe. The cool nights enabled the grapes to retain freshness and ‘line’ while the dry, sunny days at the end of harvest allowed for an elongated “hang-time” and the accumulation of intense and complex flavours in the berries. Noval also engaged in a strict sorting of both grapes and finished wine with only the finest parcels ending up in the Noval VP. Bibendum

Again, very deep in colour, deep purple. The nose is deep and broody – you have to really stick your nose in the glass. But it has so much primal intensity: blackberry, raspberry, liquorice, fruitcake, a touch of Indian ink. Wonderful definition – great clarity here. The palate has a rounded, quite approachable texture, extremely pure with luscious black fruits entwined with white pepper, crème de menthe, damson and black plum. So harmonious towards the finish. Beautiful. 95+ points, Neal Martin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Impressive aromas of crushed blackberry, mineral and dried flowers. Intense and deep. Full-bodied, very sweet and dense on the palate, with big, round tannins and a long finish. 94-97/100 James Suckling, Wine Spectator, May 2009

One of the darkest of the 2007s. Limpid and luscious-looking, Very sweet and ripe with some spice - cinnamon? All-enveloping and one of the sleekest and smoothest in terms of texture. The acid and then tannins creep in on the finish but this is a bit of a standout in terms of its dry energetic finish. This gives the impression of polished leather - not one of the sweetest on the finish. A palate scrub of a wine. Distinctive. 18/20 Jancis Robinson MW, www.jancisrobinson.com , May 2009