PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s). 2020 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port 6 x 0.75L 6 Bottles Port Wine DESCRIPTION From 1842 up to today, six generations have been writing Niepoort’s history. What unites them is a passion for wine – a passion which respects traditions but does not shy away from embarking on new paths whenever its unbridled creative drive sounds the call. Dirk is the current leader of the family – a role passed down to him by his father, with the challenge to “innovate while preserving good traditions”. More than up for the challenge, this fifth-generation member of Niepoort is intensely curious by nature: he carefully observes everything that happens around him, and when he glimpses a unique opportunity, he jumps into action without hesitation. Dirk's children Daniel, Marco and Ana are following in their father's footsteps to ensure that the next few chapters of Niepoort's history continue to be as fruitful as each harvest. WINEMAKER: Dirk Niepoort. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 93-94 Points, Vert de Vin (2019 Vintage) 17 Points, Jancis Robinson (2018 Vintage) 17 Points, Vinum Magazine (2018 Vintage) 17.5 Points, Good Choice, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2016 Vintage) 17 Points, Revista de Vinhos (2011 Vintage) 92 Points, Falstaff (2009 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz & others. VINIFICATION The growing season year in the Douro and the 2020 harvest at Niepoort will certainly be remembered for the extreme challenges experienced throughout the year, resulting in very low yields in the vineyards. Although the first winter months of November and December 2019 brought some very welcome rains to replenish depleted water levels, in addition to some precipitation in mid-January, the months of January and February were atypically dry and hot. The rains in March and April gave rise to early attacks of mildew and later powdery mildew, which continued until veraison. Overall, the year was considered hot and dry. At the Vale de Mendiz winery, the harvest began on August 31 under favorable conditions and the last grapes were received on September 24. The grapes for LBV 2020 stem from low-production vineyards in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro Valley. They were trodden by foot in granite lagares and the wine was aged in large oak barrels and the traditional pipas in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Our LBV is bottled in its fourth year, maintaining Niepoort's tradition of giving maximum priority to freshness in its wines. TASTING NOTES On the nose, this wine opens with an alluring bouquet of fresh figs and a subtle floral character, mingled with vibrant aromas of red berries. A refreshing minty undertone adds brightness, while a gentle spicy nuance provides depth. The palate begins with a delightful sweetness, offering rich fruit flavors that gradually evolve into a more dry and spicyfinish. The wine's nice acidity brings freshness and balance, supporting its elegant structure. Despite its boldness, the wine retains a delicate and complex profile, with layers of flavor unfolding seamlessly from start to finish. SERVING The perfect partner for chocolate desserts, especially if dark chocolate is used. It will also pair beautifully with Cheddar, Gouda and Brie cheese as well as aromatic red meat dishes, venison, lamb, veal or pepper steak.