Niepoort Secundum Vintage 2000

Notes - Dirk Niepoort has created this second style of vintage port called “Secundum Vintage”. The Secundum’s intention is to provide an approachable Vintage that offers immediate satisfaction yet is well-balanced enough to age for decades. So it is not a second wine, but instead an alternative, slightly more affordable bottling for Niepoort fans who can’t afford or obtain the regular Vintage Port. It’s a proper Vintage Port, but from wines considered not classic enough to be a Vintage Niepoort, and it could be declared in any year: 1999 was the inaugural vintage. It is probably going to be an earlier drinker than the main Niepoort Vintage port. 2000 produced a small crop, due to poor flowering but with high skin to juice ratios as a result. Apart from one day when it rained on 28th September the harvest was carried out under ideal conditions with fine days and cool nights. The grapes from old vines in the Cima Corgo region were trodden in lagares and later the port was matured in large wooden vats at Niepoort's lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and bottled in the autumn of 2002. Dark red in colour, with intense aromas of dark fruits along with a light herbaceous character. On the palate it is massively concentrated, dense but fresh, with solid tannins, finishing long and persistent. Great to taste now, and will develop wonderfully over the next decades. To fully benefit from its qualities we recommend it be decanted before serving. Serve with soft cheeses or blue cheese.
 
     

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