Niepoort 2003 Vintage Port

Description

Niepoort 2003 Vintage Port – Niepoort is a family company now in its fifth generation and presently managed by Dirk Niepoort. Despite being the second smallest shippers in the trade they are second to none in quality. Already famous for their classic tawny ports, they have now joined the ranks of the great producers of Vintage Port. Reputations take long to establish and only when there is a genuine commitment to quality throughout the company is a name made. Ever since he began running Niepoort, Dirk has been relentless in his efforts to improve the winemaking skills of the growers he buys from. He has also been tireless in his search for more top quality grapes, with a particular penchant for the “old and gnarled” vineyards. He is now able to control all the making of his Ports. Niepoort own Quinta de Napoles on the Tedo (a tributary of the Douro).”Niepoort is to Vintage Port what Krug is to Champagne. They are both small houses in a world dominated by large competitors but they are producing outstanding wines which very few can match.” (James Suckling, Vintage Port). The wonderful Vinha da Pisca vineyard from the Ferrao valley forms the core of this impressive vintage Port, the balance coming from four other first class vineyards in the Pinhao valley. 2003 yielded small thick-skinned berries that were fermented in traditional stone lagares and crushed by foot. The result is a port of tremendous weight and concentration displaying crushed cassis, blueberry and dark chocolate flavours bridled by firm gripping tannins. Niepoort 2003 Vintage Port is approachable now but will really benefit further cellaring.