Douro
Niepoort Ruby Port
Ruby Port is considered to be the lowest level of the Port tree, but there are some good ones out there. Its called ruby port because it is usually stored in a way that prevents oxygen contact, and therefore keeps its colour better than a tawny port which is aged in oak. The result is generally a very sweet wine that has very dark, almost black, colour and plenty of fruit character.
However, the the chaps at Niepoort have decided to use very large wooden vats for their ruby port. So this wine gets a bit of oxygen contact, but still retains a very deep red colour. It stays in the vats for about 3 years, then into bottle and then its off around the world.
Its starts of with a nose of spirity blackberry and dark cherry and adds some Christmas cake spices and nuts. In the mouth it’s smooth and quite long with a hit of quality spirit. Loads of dark cherry on the palate with some blackberry and blackcurrant, more spices and a touch of minerals. Plenty to like hear, and very cheap for what it is. 88 Pts.
Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $30 Closure: Conventional Cork
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I find this to be a great ruby but so far sadly I think it the exception that proves the rule. Yet to try that many from the independent houses though.
cheers
Carl
Have you tried the Ramos Pinto? I’ve got a bottle here to have a look at.
The Ramos Pinto Collector or the Fine Ruby? I haven’t tried the Fine Ruby but I tried the Collector a while back when in the UK. The Niepoort is a big and bold chocolate and christmas pudding type of port yet still rounded on the finish whereas the Collector was less fruity but had greater raisin-like length from memory. I think it was a reserve ruby so a bit older. Also, the price for the Collector (at least in the UK) was creeping up into the LBV range and they were difficult to resist
Looking forward to the tasting note though!
cheers
Carl