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97POINTS
19/20
Niepoort Vintage Port 2017
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalWhen I tasted the unreleased 2017 Vintage Port with Dirk in spring 2019, he told me “it is the best wine I’ve ever made.” I believe him. Though 2017 will be remembered for the intense heat and record low levels of rainfall, Dirk knew early on it would be a vintage year. In spite of the dry weather, flowering and bud burst developed under good conditions, and late summer's high daily temperatures and cold nights allowed an even and gradual ripening. The decision to start harvesting early, on August 24 at Vale de Mendiz, allowed grapes to be received in ideal conditions with fantastic natural acidity. The last grapes were harvested on September 26, before many producers had even gotten into vintage. The yields were approximately 30% down on a normal year due to dehydration. All the components for their 2017 Vintage Port were trodden by foot in circular granite lagares with 100% stems. The wines were racked soon after harvest, aged in tonéis in the Douro over the winter, and then moved to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia in March 2018. The youngest vines were over 80 years old, from a few very special schistose sites in the Cima Corgo, and based on Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz, plus others in the field blend of gnarly old vines. Alluring from first whiff, with ample savoury, stony, earthy notes infiltrating the potent wild blackberry, cassis, wild mint and fragrant, scrubby rock roses. Tannins are schistous textured, firm as expected, but amazingly well-integrated for such a young wine. So much life and vibrancy ahead here. Understated, and quietly confident, as are the Niepoort ports, this is well-deserving of its wide-spread acclaim, and potential.Tasted: 16 September 2020Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| ON | $79.95 | 750ml | Consignment |
| ON | $138.95 | 750ml | Consignment |
Le Sommelier Inc.
Blend: Touriga Franca - Tinto Cão - Tinta Francisca - Tinta Amarela - Sousão - Tinta Roriz + OthersUPC: 5603977003415
