97 Vinous
95 Robert Parker
The Quinta do Noval Vintage 2003 has a gorgeous raisin, fig and clove-scented bouquet with more freshness than the whole of Pomerol combined. As Christian Seely quipped, “the vines are accustomed to the heat”. It unfolds in the glass, gaining vigor, if not complexity, with touches of leather, California raisin and dried flower emerging. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, dishing out lovely ripe and intense blackberry, leather, sage, tobacco and white- pepper notes. In this vintage, the Noval Vintage does not possess the breeding or the bravura of the Nacional and yet it remains a very impressive Port – a success for the vintage. Drink 2016-2030+ Tasted January 2014.<br/><br/>
95 Wine Spectator
Intense, with cherry paste, fruitcake, singed spiced and apple wood flavors giving this a warm feel. Shows ample grip and lovely energy throughout, keeping this from being heady. Explosive fig and licorice snap notes on the finish kick this into second gear. A fun drink now, but this has fuel to burn.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Best from 2020 through 2045. 1,500 cases made. — JM
95 Robert Parker
The Quinta do Noval Vintage 2003 has a gorgeous raisin, fig and clove-scented bouquet with more freshness than the whole of Pomerol combined. As Christian Seely quipped, “the vines are accustomed to the heat”. It unfolds in the glass, gaining vigor, if not complexity, with touches of leather, California raisin and dried flower emerging. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, dishing out lovely ripe and intense blackberry, leather, sage, tobacco and white- pepper notes. In this vintage, the Noval Vintage does not possess the breeding or the bravura of the Nacional and yet it remains a very impressive Port – a success for the vintage. Drink 2016-2030+ Tasted January 2014.<br/><br/>
95 Wine Spectator
Intense, with cherry paste, fruitcake, singed spiced and apple wood flavors giving this a warm feel. Shows ample grip and lovely energy throughout, keeping this from being heady. Explosive fig and licorice snap notes on the finish kick this into second gear. A fun drink now, but this has fuel to burn.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Best from 2020 through 2045. 1,500 cases made. — JM