2015 Quinta da Falorca Noblesse Oblige

The 2015 Quinta da Falorca Noblesse Oblige belongs to the absolute top of the Dão. This exceptional red wine is produced in very limited quantities and represents a selection from the best old vineyards of Quinta da Falorca. The result is a wine that combines power, precision, and elegance with remarkable aging potential. By now, this 2015 has developed into an impressive example of what the Dão can produce at the highest level.

Quinta da Falorca and the Dão

Quinta da Falorca is located in Silgueiros, one of the most prized parts of the Dão. The Figueiredo family owns old vineyards here on granite-rich soils, where altitude and a temperate climate ensure a long growing season and excellent ripening.

Although the Dão was for a long time less well-known than, for example, the Douro or Alentejo, the region is now one of the most interesting wine regions in Portugal. In particular, the combination of freshness, structure, and aging potential makes the best Dão wines especially popular among connoisseurs.

Quinta da Falorca produces only about 70,000 bottles annually, with which the estate consciously chooses quality over volume. The house's red wines are known for their structure, depth, and ability to age beautifully.

A unique selection of old vineyards

Noblesse Oblige is not a standard cuvée, but a special selection from the estate's best plots. The wine is composed of a traditional field blend in which Touriga Nacional represents approximately 60% of the plantings. In addition, various traditional Portuguese grape varieties are part of the blend.

For this wine, grapes from vines over forty years old are used, among others. This results in exceptional concentration and complexity without the wine losing its elegance.

Only a limited portion of the wine ages in new French oak for 24 months. As a result, the influence of the wood remains deliberately restrained, giving the fruit ample room to reflect the terroir of the Dão.

Scent, taste and development

After nearly ten years of bottle aging, the 2015 Noblesse Oblige displays impressive complexity. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, and ripe plums combine with notes of dried herbs, cedarwood, graphite, and subtle earthy nuances.

On the palate, the wine immediately reveals its class. The structure is powerful yet refined, with velvety tannins and a beautiful balance between ripe fruit, freshness, and spiciness. Dark fruit forms the core of the flavor, supported by notes of spices, tobacco, cedar, and a subtle mineral undertone.

What stands out most is the combination of concentration and precision. Despite its richness, the wine remains lively and energetic, with a remarkable freshness typical of the best terroirs of the Dão.

The long finish still displays much youthful power and shows that this wine can continue to develop for years to come.

Professional reviews

The 2015 Quinta da Falorca Noblesse Oblige received 95 points from The Wine Advocate . Mark Squires particularly praised the wine's purity, structure, finesse, and great aging potential. According to him, Noblesse Oblige is among the estate's best wines and has everything it takes to continue developing for decades to come.

Additionally, James Suckling awarded the wine 92 points . He highlighted the aromas of black and blue fruit, dried herbs, cedarwood, and the combination of velvety tannins, intense fruit, and a rich finish.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

The wine is currently in a beautiful drinking phase, but still possesses sufficient structure to age further. The expected drinking window extends to approximately 2040.

Preferably serve the wine at 16 to 18°C and let it aerate in a decanter for one to two hours beforehand.

This wine pairs excellently with roasted lamb, côte de boeuf, game dishes, venison, duck, Iberian pork, and aged hard cheeses. Its complexity also comes into its own particularly well with dishes containing truffle or mushrooms.