It’s fleshy, with a round and velvety texture and a long, vibrant finish. Unfortified again, the nose throws hints of caramel, orange rind and toasted almonds. The palate is mellow and super-complex, with lively freshness and complex flavours of quince, bitter orange and loads of brown spice and tobacco notes. The finish is long and iodine-rich. Perfect to drink on its own or sensational with almonds, charcuterie and very mature cheese.

Ebony in colour with iodine highlights. The aromas are reminiscent of figs and raisins on the nose. Enormously sweet, velvety and soft on the palate, well balanced, with a very long finish.

Quinta do Noval is the go to Port house for those who prefer VP in a more elegant guise. 1995 was a terrific year at Noval and now almost 20 years old, it is a beautifully balanced and supple wine with a lush, plump texture and smooth, round tannins. Intense flavours of plums, raisins and dark chocolate abound with a hint of secondary development now peaking through.

Bottled unfiltered with an average of 25 years, it opens with an intense with tobacco leaves, walnut and hazelnut underpinned by pepper and clove spice and notes of orange peel. The palate is dry with citrus peel and roasted nuts joined by super-fine, moreish savoury texture. It finishes with salty and intense close. It deserves the best jamón you can get your hands on.

Tasting Notes APPEARANCE The maturation in steel tanks gives garnet colour with elegant amber shades. AROMA Elegant, refined with intense bitter orange, hints of vanilla, gentian, floral and spicy notes such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves and with a clear perception of artemisia. PALATE Intense and harmonious. Red fruits, long and spicy persistence and pleasantly sweet final.