A Port Apart – Port house Quinta do Noval will be declaring its 2004 vintage

Port house Quinta do Noval will be declaring its 2004 vintage. This singular decision  – no other producer has declared the vintage – was made by managing director Christain Seely, who commented: "Noval has always been different and always will be." Only 1,000 cases will be produced for the world, available for shipping this month.

Seely explained that 2004 was a generally successful vintage. "But there were a few lots of wine which I thought were particularly beautiful. When we made the blend it reminded me of the great classical Noval vintages that I admire particularly, like the 1966 and 1955, which are very fine and very elegant. With 2004 I recognised the essential nature of Noval", he explained.
 
Seely added that commercial considerations were not a priority for the quinta, which is part of the AXA Millésimes portfolio. "Noval is in a rather luxurious position, because we are so small we can really make a vintage Port whenever we want. It’s not going to actually change the market place", he explained.

This move is reminiscent of the famous 1931 vintage, which was only declared by Quinta do Noval and two other Port houses. The Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931 went on to become the most expensive bottle of Port ever sold at auction, fetching US$5,900 in 1988.

© db 4th October 2006