From a Port grower that prides itself on the finesse, purity and balance of its wines, 2021 has delivered these qualities in spades. This is an outstanding vintage where temperatures were consistent compared to recent extreme years, and ample water enabled Noval to wait for optimum ripeness in each plot. The wines have intensity but remain at an elegant remove from the opulent, sensual releases of recent harvests. Characterised by their floral-led perfumes, freshness and purity of fruit, another feature of the year is approachability; both the Noval wines should be ready and waiting within 10 years, and the Passadouro a few years earlier. Made from just four per cent of Noval’s vineyard and wearing its power lightly, the 2021 VP is highly aromatic with beautiful scents of bramble and plum and a generous, complex palate shaped by sweet, fresh tannins. We haven’t tasted the Nacional this year, but we are assured that this release is more than worthy of this great label! “Magnificent” was the resounding verdict of Richard Mayson, the Wines of Portugal author and pre-eminent authority on Port. This vintage also marks the first Quinta do Passadouro for which Noval has managed the entire growing season and winemaking from start to finish. In all, it is a great release from this benchmark grower; small but perfectly formed.