Handford Wines

The very famous Quinta do Noval is almost unique in that it has not only its vines, but also its cellars in the Douro Valley (Most ‘lodges’ are in Oporto). So the ports age in barrel in a giant cellar carved into the hills below the vineyard. There are various parcels of vineyard of which the best known is Quinta do Marco. Wines are produced traditionally, in lagares and. In my experience, have a tendency to be richer and, perhaps sweeter than many. I do appreciate their commitment to Colheita ports, effectively a single barrel, vintage port.

The Wine

The new vintage just declared in Oporto is - no prizes for guessing - 2003. This is the last general wine release from Europe’s extraordinary heatwave summer and it was clear even before the first grapes were picked that this would be one of those years, declared roughly three times every decade, when some vintage port, port at its densest and longest-living, would be made. - Jancis Robinson Purplish crimson. Prunes and herbs on the nose - rather interesting and captivating already! Very competent and lively. Lots hidden there. Well made. Lots of alcohol on the finish but a good charge of both fruit and tannin. Inky at this stage." 94/100 Wine Spectator 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson

Single Bottle: £55.00

In a case of 12: £52.25