NIEPOORT
2016 Bioma ‘Vinha Velha’
There is no release of the 'straight' Niepoort Vintage in 2016 - just Bioma, which Dirk felt really deserved a declaration. Compared to the other 2016s this has a lighter, more evolved feel; an almost Burgundian shape and intensity. It brings to mind the esoteric Bordeaux wines from Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf. For now seeming less svelte than its peers - less 'together'. On the palate this is exciting. Bright, fizzing pink and purple fruit. Not hard, not heavy weight and there is a high line of an almost kirsch-like spirity note. But the acidity and flow is fabulous. Glides over the palate dolloping hits of sweet black fruit, intense raisin-juice concentrate and some sweeter red gummy-sweet gobs. A wild, interesting style - which is both intriguing and impressive. L&S (May 2018)
In Bond
75cl bottles (wood case of 3)
* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.
The 2016 Bioma Vinha Velha Vintage Port is not set to be bottled for several months, which is a little too far in the future by my normal protocols. It is the final blend, though, and it is worth sneaking this beauty into the 2016 report this issue. This single-plot Porto is a worthy competitor to the fine Ports in this vintage and to the 2015 Bioma (Niepoort did not declare his normal blended Vintage Port in 2016). Deep, very concentrated and powerful, this is chock-full of brilliant fruit and flavor. It's intense, rich, delicious and superb. This will be released in the spring of 2019, lagging behind most of the 2016s. It will be worth the wait. P.S. I had a quick look at the 2017. It's a long way from being ready, admittedly, but it may well be even better. We will have fun arguing over the 2015, 2016 and 2017 as the years march on. Drinking range: 2027 - 2070 Rating: 95-97 Mark Squires, robertparker.com (Jul 2018)
Niepoort decided not to declare in 2016 (having declared outright in 2015) but they have made Bioma, an organic Port wine from a single estate (Quinta da Pisca) on the north side of the river midway between Régua and Pinhão: still a bit disjointed on the nose, needing time to knit together but very charming, soft and fleshy initially, spicy, herbal fruit backed by firm tannins. Richard Mayson, www.richardmayson.com (May 2018)
Niepoort
Bucking the trend once again, as is his way, Dirk Niepoort proudly declared his excellent Vintage Ports in 2015 unlike the rest of the top producers - and this year he is declaring only the Bioma. This is his superior Port from a single plot on a steep slope.' From our tasting this declaration is totally justified. The wine is superb and fascinating. At Niepoort the aim is harmony and balance these are both here with the Bioma 2016 - but it is also a more cerebral wine than others released - a different feel - this is off-beat perhaps but in a good and beguiling way.
At the same time that famous English names were establishing themselves in the Douro, the other great Port importing nation - the Netherlands - was sending bright business types to set up Port Houses. One such was Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort. Five generations later and the dynamic Dirk van der Niepoort is at the helm.
Niepoort used to be well-known for their Tawny and Colheita ports, but Dirk has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of their Vintage Ports too. One of the key moves, with this in mind, was for Niepoort to purchase their own vineyards with Quintas de Nápoles, do Carril and do Passadouro coming under the Niepoort wing at the end of the 1990's.
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