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). 2019 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port 6 x 0.75L 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 17 Points, Jancis Robinson 17.5 Points, Revista Vinho Grandes Escolhas 17 Points, Revista de Vinhos WINE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz & others. VINIFICATION In 2019, rainfall levels were not only low during the winter months but remained so throughout the whole year. However, in the Douro, and for Niepoort, in the sub-region of Cima Corgo, two factors compensated for this lack of rain. Firstly, the summer months were unusually cool and, secondly, the 26th and 27th of August and, to a lesser extent, the third week of September brought some much-needed rain at just the right time. These conditions resulted in beautifully balanced musts with high acidity levels which will lend the wine freshness and fantastic elegance. At Vale de Mendiz, harvesting began on 2 September, under favourable conditions. The last bunches were brought in during the first week of October. The LBV is bottled in the fourth year – the tradition at Niepoort is to retain plenty of freshness in the wines. TASTING NOTES The color is solid with a ruby hue and violet hints. On the nose, notes of dark chocolate stand out, complemented by aromas of wild fruits, fresh figs, violets and spices. In the mouth it is structured, firm and with an acidity that sets it apart from other wines. It starts sweet and ends almost dry, long, fresh and spicy. This port is an excellent option to open and drink now, but it could also benefit from cellar storage for a few decades as it is bottled with a cylindrical cork. 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.