2007 Redoma Tinto

The 2007 REDOMA Tinto, retasted from bottle in the USA for the first time here, is a Douro blend from old vines (60-120 years) aged for 22 months in French oak. I really liked this Redoma, which is showing even better now than when I had it in the Douro last year. It adds a layer or two of depth to the Vertente, sports better structure, and will likely age well, as these have a tradition of doing. At roughly half the price of the Batuta, it is deeper and more complex this year. For all that, it remains graceful and elegant, in Niepoort’s style. This won’t impress with size, weight or pure power, but its mid-palate depth is better than you think at first, its balance is impeccable and it is beautifully structured. It drank beautifully the next day, its structure more obvious than ever. This is what you expect from Niepoort at his best in a good vintage. This has a pretty good chance of becoming the best ever Redoma. There were 2,578 cases produced, of which 100 were imported. It is approachable now, but for best results, hold it a year or two. Drink now-2025. In the right years, Niepoort is a top producer in the Douro, for both white and red, which not many can say. His wines are imported, but not in large quantities, which may be related to the relatively high price points. In his lineup this year, the Tiara and regular Redoma Branco are the sweet spots for bang for the buck. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Inc., Novato, CA.; tel: (415) 883-0400; except in New York/New Jersey: Eric Solomon, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.

Vines are 60+ years. Mainly Tinta Amarela. About one third aged in big wood and the rest in barriques. Future objective is for 50% in big wood. Only 20% new wood. The idea is to make the most authentic Douro . Very dark. Neat and controlled and very clarety. Fresh and almost bordeaux structure but bigger, plummier fruit. (JR)

A cross between Chablis and Condrieu on the nose and palate – the minerality of the former with the tropical fruit of the latter. It's a soft, smooth style with the peach and apricot flavours eventually dominating, but without getting too full of themselves. (RH)