"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. 2004 was the first release of Noval dry wines, after a period of ten years spent studying how the Noval vineyards might best produce a dry red wine. Using not only traditional varieties ( Touriga Nacional, Tintao Cão and Touriga Franca), Christian's experiments in Syrah seem to be the most successful. With 35% of the 2006 containing Syrah, he has produced a wine of exceptional quality and depth. Aromatic and quite delicious, it is lushly textured with an elegant mid-palate and ripe tannins. It is soft and sexy, charming and delicious from first sip to last. If you have not ventured in to Portuguese still wines, you are in for a treat." 92 points - Mark Stitt, B-21 Wine Staff
"This wine's powerful richness and density balance the honeyed sweetness of fruit against savory soil character. It feels both plump and sleek, a simple pleasure to enjoy in its youth. Serve with duck braised in red wine and black olives." 91 points - Wine & Spirits, April 2009
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