Niepoort Charme 2018 Bottle size: 750ml

'Inspired by La Tâche, elegance and precision, intensity not density, are the goals. Early-picked grapes from centenarian vines are whole-bunch fermented and aged with just a little new oak (10% in 2018). Translucent crimson with luminous, al dente red cherry and currant fruit, oak spice and leafy whole bunch forest floor hints. Linear, very precise, with intensity and lively energy to the persistent palate. Drinking Window 2021 - 2036.' – Sarah Ahmed, Decanter, 96/100

'The 2018 Charme is a field blend, heavy on Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca (especially Tinta Roriz), aged for 12 months in 25% new French barrels. It comes in at 12.9% alcohol. Tight and tannic, this adds a fresh feel. Like many of its 2018 upper-level siblings, it has closed down. Here, too, there might be a bit of a stem-like nuance. It might be a touch high-toned as well, but both seemed to improve with air. Like its upper-level sibling, the Batuta, this doesn't yet show a lot of expressiveness in terms of its fruit profile in this vintage, but this seems to come together better overall. It feels substantial and powerful. It certainly requires another couple of years of cellaring, at least, to soften the wine and allow it to become more expressive. Overall, this shows a lot of potential, but it also has some questions to answer. Buy this only if you have the patience for a couple of years of cellaring. There were 9,400 bottles produced from old vines (70 to 100 years). Drink 2023-2040.' – Mark Squires, Wine Advocate, 92+/100

'The 2018 Charme displays a brilliant light ruby appearance, with very delicate aromas of cherries and raspberries along with elegant earthy forest floor notes and hints of tea leaves. The palate is fine and intense, with superb freshness and a very elegant structure with velvety tannins. With only 10% of new oak in the final blend, the subtle structure stemming from the wood integrates seamlessly with the fruit and acid-driven freshness.' – Niepoort