Made only in top years from the best lots, like all Noval's reds this is fermented in stainless steel then aged in French oak - in this case for 10 months in 35% new oak. Signature orange blossom riffs make for a delicate interplay of fruit and flower. A plume of fine, schistous tannins and bright acidity gently but persuasively anchor and extend its inky, perfumed black berry and plum fruits, with hints of bergamot, milk chocolate, clove, cedar and cinnamon. Very fine and such a great example of the variety, and nearly half the price of the Reserva! Drinking Window 2019 - 2028 Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/portugal/douro-valley/quinta-do-noval-touriga-nacional-douro-douro-valley-2016-28542#ySBvSxBQcB8uh1kP.99

The 2016 Touriga Nacional was aged for ten months in French oak of varying ages (only 35% new). It comes in at just 13% alcohol. Only in bottle a couple of weeks, this still looked impressive with aeration. This and the new Grande Reserva look like the best table wines I've seen yet from Noval—but note that they are all about potential just now. Backing off of the oak compared to the 2015 very much helped this. Showing mid-palate finesse and old-school elegance, this is wonderfully aromatic. It's got flavor too, some blue fruits dancing around the edges. It then finishes tight, precise and intense. With a couple of hours of air, it does evolve, but it really needed that. If you want a Douro version of Bordeaux, this and its Grande Reserva sibling are good starts. Now, it is still painfully young. It could use some time, perhaps more than indicated. It will improve notably in the cellar. This will be released in September, along with its other 2016 siblings, shortly after this article appears.- MS

A rock star of a wine, the 2016 Touriga Nacional is all varietal and was brought up in 35% new French oak. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a great nose of blackberries, peppery herbs, cedarwood, and hints of meatiness. Full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully layered on the palate, it has good acidity, is impeccably balanced, and finishes with plenty of length and purity. It offers pleasure, and opens up dramatically with air, and has at least another 10-15 years of longevity. It’s a seriously impressive, classic red that has loads to love.