2004 Quinta do Noval Tinto

Touriga Nacional 70%; Tinto Cão 20%; Touriga Franca 10%, aged in French oak. Fresh, peppery dark fruit aromas. Notably dry but definitely not drying. Lifted, elegant, restrained. A cool customer. (JH)

The 2004 Tinto is a blend of Touriga Nacional (70%), Tinto Cao (20%), and Touriga Franca (10%) raised exclusively in French oak. This has grip, concentration and a level of intensity that the Cedro does not. It coats the palate more. It shows a fair bit of oak at the moment, most of which should integrate nicely with age. Its mid-palate is still fairly elegant in weight, and it presents a relatively smooth, velvety feel, until the structural components rear their heads. The Touriga Nacional flavors asserts themselves with air, too. The handling of the tannins here is deft, but it does become more stern and a bit drying as it airs out. I liked the fact that it had a backbone. Still, the tannins are relatively ripe and the wine should be approachable relatively young. It became livelier with substantial aeration, and it needed several hours to fully awaken. I liked it more and more as it aired out, and in fact, it was better on Day 2. Drink 2009-2017. Importer: William Grant & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 246-1760