2019 Niepoort Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L 2019 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L 2 Bottles 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. 2019 Niepoort Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 96 Points, Robert Parker 96 Points, Wine Spectator 96 Points, Falstaff 96 Points, Wine & Spirits Magazine 17 Points, Jancis Robinson WINE VARIETIES: Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz and others. VINIFICATION All the components for 2019 Vintage Port were trodden by foot in circular granite lagares with 100% of stems. The wines were racked soon after harvest, aged in "tonéis” (large oak vats) in the Douro over the winter, and then moved to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia in the Spring of 2020. TASTING NOTES Brilliant appearance with a dark purple rim and concentrated depth of colour. The aroma is fine and subdued with only a hint of primary dark fruits and some spice. The true potential and style of this wine really comes together on the palate with wonderful integration of dark fruits with a grainy tannic structure, pairing volume with amazing balance and elegance and an impressive finish. In conclusion, the primary fruit on the palate is appealing at this stage, but it’s the balanced tannic structure which indicates great ageing potential for the future. SERVING Perfect with “Queijo da Serra”, a Stilton or other blue cheeses. Egg based desserts with “Pão de Ló”. 2019 Niepoort Late Bottled Vintage Port 1 x 0.75L AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 93-94 Points, VertdeVin 17 Points, Jancis Robinson (2018 Vintage) 17 Points, Vinum Magazine (2018 Vintage) 17.5 Points, Revista Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2016 Vintage) 17 Points, Revista de Vinhos (2011 Vintage) 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.