2020 Cedro do Noval

The 2020 Cedro Do Noval Vinho Tinto is cut from the same cloth as the 2019, yet it's slightly more rounded and supple, with a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and classic red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and graphite-like aromas and flavors. It's another beautiful, impeccably made wine from this estate.

Full, specially embossed bottle all of 1,404 g. Port grapes plus 20% Syrah so it is not allowed the Douro appellation. Dark purplish crimson. High toned and concentrated. Very luscious, velvety start and then quite a bit of tannin. Pure hedonism if you don't mind a bit of alcohol. I can't discern the Syrah specifically. Very ripe blackberry flavours. A little old fashioned in style in some (full-on) ways but it certainly delivers pleasure and the prospect of future development. (JR)

Very hot and dry year. Had to rush the harvest and finished on 22 September. 35% Touriga Nacional, 25% Syrah, 20% Touriga Francesa, 15% Tinta Roriz, 5% Tinto Cão. The grape varieties are aged separately in French oak barrels of 225-litres for 10 months, 10% in new barrels, 60% in barrels of one vintage, 30% in barrels of two vintages. They are blended one month before bottling. Very dark crimson. Richer, darker and spicier than the 2021 with a hint of vanilla. Still has that chocolate-smooth texture and flavour. Smooth and full in the mouth and fresh enough but not as exciting as the Cedro do Noval whites. Sweet and sour on the palate, with very fresh acidity. Fine, smooth tannins. (JH)