2017 Noval Quinta do Passadouro Vintage Port

Passadouro is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz, cropped from vines ranging in altitude from 100 to 300 metres above sea level. Made in roughly the same traditional fashion as Noval’s own Vintage Port, the style here—while also one of class and sophistication—is more medium-bodied, youthfully buoyant and immedicably approachable than the Noval. This is a charming and relatively open-knit 2017. It’s ripe and fleshy in style with a velvety cherry fruit profile, fused with notes of cola and cacao nibs. The palate is seductive and classy with a well-defined, elegant structure and refreshing, polished acidity. It closes with a wave of cherry richness resurfacing on the finish. It’s not hard to see why Noval is delighted with their new acquisition.