Quinta do Noval’s 1997 Colheita port, an aged Tawny, is now available in the UK from agent Gonzalez Byass. Only a tiny proportion of the ’97 Colheita will be released over a limited six month period.  After that, the remaining wine will continue to mature in Noval’s hillside cellars for another 10 to 15 years.

To Noval, one of the few international port producers with an extensive range of both aged blended and single year Tawnies, the spectacular estate is the absolute key to the finished wine.  Alongside the extensive replanting programme started in the mid 90s, the varying terroirs were identified and developed according to characteristics.  Thus, there was a careful selection of wines for the all-important Tawnies to lay down to mature in small oak barrels overt time in the hillside cellars.

In Portugal 1997 was a special Vintage year.  Beginning with snow in the Douro hills, the weather quickly turned abnormally warm in February and March, then rains in April and May, were followed by a gentle mild summer.  The harvest took place in perfect conditions – hot days and cool nights – giving superb freshness and balance to the wines.

The Quinta do Noval 1997 is a supreme expression of that remarkable vintage. Deep tawny in colour, it has a complex nutty nose combined with fresh fruit, a rich succulent mouthful of exotic flavours on the palate – and a long lingering finish.

A rare Tawny indeed. With an RRP of £39.49 for 75 cl, it is available from Gonzalez Byass, Quinta do Noval’s UK agents  on 01707 274 790 (spollard@gonzalezbyassuk.com)

July 2011