Niepoort, Vertente Douro 2018

Jancis Robinson
"Full bottle 1,312 g. Vertente means ‘aspect’ or ‘hillside’. Vines 50–80 years old, a mix of traditional varieties. Fermented in conical stainless-steel tanks before being left to mature for 22 months in French oak barrels.
Mid to light cherry red. Pure and rather delicate aroma of dark-red fruits and a lightly herbal freshness (but fully ripe), a fine floral scent. Elegant, bone dry, with incredibly fine and deliciously dry tannins. Perfect balance in a subtle but long wine. The floral aroma becomes more evident as the wine warms in the glass. The oak is supremely discreet. A wine of beauty and refinement and so youthful still. 17/20 points. (JH)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
“This is glorious, an important value point in Niepoort's often pricey lineup. It shows respectable concentration—it's not quite the entry-level red but not the high-end Tinto either. The concentration is subtle—it's never jammy—but it is rather concentrated, maybe more than last year's version. Its freshness and tightly wound demeanor are both impressive. The fruit is beautifully lifted on the palate, and this seems enlivening all the while it is open. This is a great food wine that tastes great too.”