Tasting notes
Niepoort, Fabelhaft Tinto 2019
Vines 10 to 40 years old. Hand-picked Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela. Destemmed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks under controlled temperatures for approximately one week. A portion of the wine was matured in French oak barriques whereas the rest of the wine remained in stainless steel for about 6 months. Mid purple crimson with vibrant purple rim. But the colour is not as vibrant as the fruit, which soars from the glass, in sweet black fruit aromas especially blackcurrant and cassis but with the wildness of elderberry. Dark-red fruits too, mulberry and raspberry. There’s a dark, rocky, almost dusty, overlay that I associate with the Douro though the wine is labelled as a wine of Portugal. Deep and rich-fruited on the palate, generous and yet so lively and fresh, with what might be a little bit of extra sweet spice from the oak. Dry and fine tannins balance all the zesty fruit. Still pretty firm. Drink Me (aka Fabelhaft) is so apt for this wine but at the moment I’d broach it with food. A great all-rounder. It may not be a wine for long ageing but I think this will be even better with another 6 months in bottle. – Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (tasted Aug 2020)
Niepoort, Fabelhaft Branco 2019
The Branco 2019 is a great example of the Niepoort style: austere and deeply mineral. This is a fresh white wine with herbaceous and citrusy notes on the nose as well as a youthful character which nevertheless promises great ageing potential. Overall, a wine of great finesse and elegance, ending in an electric finish which will linger enticingly in your mind. – Niepoort
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