Douro
Niepoort Vintage Port 2003
We are at last having a real winter here in Melbourne. Loads of rain, cold nights and plenty of wood for the fireplace have kicked off port drinking season. I've heard this theory that these "new wave" vintage ports from the Douro boys drink well for about 5 years from vintage, then need to sleep for another 10. From what I've seen so far, it seems to work. However, I think this applies to 750ml bottles, this half bottle was closed down on day 1 and started to open up when I finished it off on 2.
So no real tasting note on this one, more of an impression. There is some intense, pure fruit there waiting to come out, a bit of aniseed and Christmas cake spices (nutmeg, cinnamon etc). The sweetness level is just right, with big brawny structure and to-die-for tannins. I think it's going to be great in 10-20s years, whatever you do, don't drink it now. If Tinto y Blanco in still going in 2017, I'll let you know.
Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $110 (375ml) Closure: Conventional Cork
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Dave,
Yes, the half bottle may be a problem. But if you put the wine in a decanter for 3 ou 4 hour it shoud “open up” a little more. I have been drinking now the fantastic 2005 Niepoort Vintage (another amazing Port vintage), and it is a monster!
I agree the ‘2003 will be great in 2017, and in my opinion the ‘2005 will have to wait even more years (and that’s just great).
Nuno
I was travelling, so I didn’t have my usual gear. I did decant it for about 5 hours, and it got better but not great drinking right now. I know there is a very serious wine waiting to come out…
I think we will see the 05 here later in the year, so we will have to compare notes then…