I was lucky to be there at Day #1 of this project, tasting the 1863, original VV and new VV all side by side.
The original VV was simply the best, so it means, this wine needs a lot of bottle age to become even more sexy and elegant.
Yes unusual for Niepoort to do something so ''flashy'' but it is unique and sophisticated like Niepoort likes to do things. And when Niepoort releases something special, it simply has to be unmatchable.
I can't speak for the motivation of Lalique and James even if I have my opinion, but on the Niepoort side I believe the idea is mostly to increase awareness in the Chinese market and get great exposure in the press.
Living the dream and now working for a Port company