Quinta do Noval, 1955 Port
Vintage Port
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
$496.72 USD
Description
The 1955 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is a legendary wine that epitomizes the heritage, terroir, and craftsmanship of one of the Douro Valley’s most iconic estates. Quinta do Noval, established in 1715, has long been recognized as a pioneer in the production of world-class ports, combining tradition with innovation to create wines of unparalleled elegance and longevity.
The Legacy of Quinta do Noval
Quinta do Noval holds a unique place in the history of port wine. Located in the heart of the Douro Valley, its vineyards benefit from a prime terroir, with steep terraced slopes, schist soils, and a microclimate ideal for producing exceptional wines. Unlike many other producers, Noval focuses on estate-grown fruit, ensuring complete control over quality from vineyard to bottle. Its commitment to meticulous viticulture and traditional winemaking practices, such as foot-treading in granite lagares, has cemented its reputation for excellence.
Quinta do Noval is also celebrated for its visionary approach, being the first port house to label a bottle with the name of the estate in 1924. This pioneering spirit is further exemplified by the creation of the legendary Nacional Vintage Port, made from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines—a rarity in the world of wine.
The 1955 Vintage
The 1955 Vintage Port from Quinta do Noval is a masterpiece that showcases the estate’s ability to produce wines of extraordinary aging potential. The vintage was marked by excellent growing conditions, allowing for the perfect ripening of grapes and the production of deeply concentrated wines. Noval’s careful selection of fruit from its finest parcels and its dedication to traditional methods are reflected in every aspect of this wine.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1955 vintage displays a deep garnet core with mahogany and amber hues at the rim, a visual testament to its remarkable age. The nose is complex and seductive, with layers of dried blackberries, figs, and cherries, interwoven with notes of toasted nuts, dark chocolate, and sweet spices. Hints of tobacco, cedar, and orange zest add depth and sophistication.
On the palate, this vintage port is full-bodied yet refined, with a velvety texture that carries flavors of stewed black fruits, molasses, and licorice. The tannins, softened to perfection by decades of aging, provide structure and balance, while a vibrant acidity lends freshness and vitality. The finish is extraordinarily long, leaving a warm and harmonious impression with echoes of spice, dried fruit, and cocoa.
A Collector’s Treasure
The 1955 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is more than a wine; it is a piece of history. Perfectly stored bottles of this vintage represent an extraordinary opportunity to experience the elegance and complexity that only time can bring. As one of the most revered port houses, Quinta do Noval continues to be a benchmark for excellence, and the 1955 vintage is a shining example of its enduring legacy.
"Red mahogany in colour, 30% opaque. Gentle on the nose, with a pleasant and mildly fruity smell. Modest entry, with modest levels of fruit and a gentle acidic structure. Aeration brings out more fruit. Warm and pleasant afrertaste, full of orange peel and with a lingering finish. 86/100. Was significantly better a day later when it had put on substantial weight." Review on The Port Forum
Learn more about Quinta do Noval
Condition
Top shoulder levels
Damaged embossed seals
Unlabelled
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