I make no apologies for the fact that I love port, and as it is appropriate at this time of year, I thought I'd trot out another post on the fortified wine from the Douro. This time a tasting of wines from Dirk Niepoort.
I've long been a fan of the wines from this producer and having visited their lodge in Villa Nova de Gaia I still have fond memories of looking around antiquated rooms with old rotary telephones and a store with old templates for painting bottles strewn about the place. I think their strength is in their Tawny ports and this was one of the first times that their new offering, The Senior Tawny - was tasted in Britain.
I've long been a fan of the wines from this producer and having visited their lodge in Villa Nova de Gaia I still have fond memories of looking around antiquated rooms with old rotary telephones and a store with old templates for painting bottles strewn about the place. I think their strength is in their Tawny ports and this was one of the first times that their new offering, The Senior Tawny - was tasted in Britain.
Niepoort Dry White Port
Bright aromas of lemon and, a slight hint, of home made lemonade with a touch of lime skin. The palate is very gentle, some honey notes, a little pepper and with some minerally notes. Some grapefruit pith emerges and there is a lovely long, citrus finish. £14.00. 88pts
Niepoort Senior Tawny
Lots of polished wood, cherry and dried cranberries. A little honey comes off with some rosemary. The palate is soft, lovely with dried fruit, a little more polished wood, some dried fruit - prunes and raisins - and then a cinnamon and tobacco finish that is quite sweet. It really is a delicious port and at £18.00 it is great value. 90pts
Niepoort Colheita 2001
A stunning vintage tawny, bright, fresh with some jam and nuts coming from the wine. A lot of leathery flavours, some sweet pipe tobacco and a delicious spice with hazelnuts and cashews - it is like getting a bag of fruit and nut mix and putting them in your mouth! 86pts
Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage 2007
Big, jammy with lots of sweet aromas and rich bramble spiced with cloves. There is a touch of lighter jam flavours, some rich bramble, cherry and menthol. An earthy note comes through, with leather and baked fruit pie and cinnamon on the finish. 89pts
Niepoort Vintage 1997
Surprisingly bright with juniper and sweet cherry. Lots of menthol, a touch of chocolate and bonfire toffee. Flavours of herbs, chocolate, coffee bean, blackcurrants and lots of mint. Dark and concentrated on the finish. Tasty. 89pts
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