2019 Niepoort Douro Coche Branco
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Branco Coche is a blend of Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and other grape varieties sourced from old vines in the Douro. It aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Yellow in color, it presents aromas of green apple, orange peel and a layer of oak. Ample and rich, the refreshing, malic palate is fairly taut and concentrated, resulting in a long-lasting, delicious white.
Critic scores
Mark Squires
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Coche is a field blend from old vines featuring Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others. It aged for 12 months in 50% new French barrels. It comes in very dry and at 12.4% alcohol. Of Niepoort's whites this issue, this easily has the most wood impact, with lots of toasty oak and a touch of smoke. This isn't big, fat or powerful, but there is a textured and sensual finish that I liked a lot. Of Niepoort's whites this issue, this laid-back Branco could most use a few years of cellaring to show and prove what it has. If it becomes a bigger star, the ability to acquire complexity will be the key to that. This so far seems a little underwhelming for its price point, but that doesn't mean it's not very good. It is unevolved, however. There were 4,700 bottles produced from old vines (80+ years).