If you haven’t jumped on board the Portuguese wine train yet, what are you waiting for? Portugal still produces the greatest wine values in western Europe. And with such a vast array of grape varieties, unique climates, topography and soil types, there really is a Portuguese wine out there for almost every palate.

If you’re into Spanish Riberas and Toros, or southern French reds then this wine perfect is for you. Break the mold, try a bottle or two. You won’t be disappointed.

Quinta do Noval Cedro 2017

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90 pts Wine Advocate 

It’s no secret that I have a Douro obsession. I simply can’t get enough of the great wines continue to find from Portugal’s famous wine region. This beauty comes from the historic Quinta do Noval estate, established in 1715, they have been at the forefront of this wine region for centuries. With ancient terraced vineyards and incredible old vines at their disposal they produce some of the most compelling wines in the region. I tasted in this Cedro in midst of a lineup of almost twenty red wines from around the globe. It outshone every one of them, many at more than double the price too! A blend of 55 % Touriga Nacional, 25 % Syrah, 15 % Touriga Franca, 5 % Tinto Cão from the incredible 2017 vintage in the Douro, considered to be one of the finest in decades. The nose is packed with dark fruit aromas, spiced chocolate and fresh stony minerals. A plush juicy mouthfeel follows, with silky tannins and plenty of ripe dark cherry and plum fruit flavors. As with all great Douros there’s a lot of power with plenty of polish, and a long dry finish that’s bright on the tongue. Delicious now, and this’ll age well for at least a decade. A whole lot of wine for under $25. The Douro does it again!

“The 2017 Cedro do Noval, bottled only about three weeks before this tasting, is a blend of 55% Touriga Nacional, 25% Syrah, 15% Touriga Franca and the rest Tinto Cão, all aged for 14 months in French oak of varying ages. (That Syrah, of course, means that this has the regional Duriense appellation, not the Douro DOC.) Fresh, silky and subtly concentrated, this shows its essence of fruit on the tongue. The Syrah has a small influence, but this is not gamey. It is another red that seems to benefit from the 2017 vintage. The fruity-to-fresh feel makes this both suave and tasty. Finally, this has ripe tannins. It can hold awhile, but don't hesitate to drink it on release. Drink 2020-2029.”


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Wednesday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.