TN: 2007 Niepoort "Vertente" Tinto, Douro

[zin1953]

This is yet another of Dirk Niepoort's red table wines from the Douro. The grapes here come from the (relatively) young Quinta de Nápoles in the Tedo Valley, with its 17-20 year old vines, and from sources in the Pinhão Valley, ranging up to 70-year old vines. The varieties here include Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional and others, all planted as field blends. Fermented in stainless, the wine spent 18 months in French oak barriques prior to bottling.

Classic Douro red with ripe, lush fruit, stone, mineral notes, spice and more in the still young bouquet; upon entry, this wine displays a plush, velvety texture that belies the "iron fist" at its core -- firm, fine-grained tannins, stone, slate, earth, spice and mineral notes abound, and though the wine is already showing some layering and depth, it remains quite young overall; time will give this wine added flesh and suppleness, allowing it to achieve its full potential. An excellent Douro red, and at $27, a great value as well!

Cheers,
Jason

[zin1953]

In the FWIW Dept., I had another bottle last week, and it's only gotten better! It's grown more supple, velvety, and round on the palate; the tannins are softer and less aggressive; and the aromas and flavors more layered and complex. Truly wonderful!