Santa Eufêmia Very Old Reserve White (best ever white ?)

[Bjørn Tore Aastorp Ruud]

This is really a secret wine. I hope not too many reads this TN. One of my all time favorite port wines, and it`s a white one.
It is very complex and so integrated everything. The color is light to dark brown, you know the point where red wines and aged white wines has the same color.
Amazing stuff. The wine is really a 1972 vintage white port, allthough it is not permited to put "vintage" on the label for white ports.

Has aromas of dried fruit like figs, balsamic wood, raisins, white chocolate, nuts, some curry.
Medium bodied, slightly oily texture, in few words superelegant and complex stuff.
And cheap too.

The experts says that there is nothing like this white port on the market anymore. Niepoort did some great whites before world war 2, but this is now the queen.

Great, great experience.

This is also posted in the tasting notes section.

[Roy Hersh]

I thought it was from 1973 to be honest, but Andy will remember better than me. I have only had this a couple of times and it is really very very delicious. However, I don't think it is as great as the exalted 1952 Dalva, but that is certainly up for discussion. The 1917 White Port by Niepoort was probably the most interesting white I've ever had from the North of Portugal.

Bjorn, welcome back my friend. You have been missed!

[Frederick Blais]

It is definitively 1973. It is certainly different than the 52 Dalva, maybe richer but shorter on the palate for sure. Indeed a well kep secret. Worth mentionning that this is from the Casa and not from the Quinta. Same vineyard that split because of family mathers. One decided to blend the stocks and do the 10,20,30 yo white tawnies while the other kept the old cask pure and his old white is now one great tawny from 1973!

[SEAN C.]

This is definitely a great wine! I wish I had more bottles of it ..I think I only have one left

[Andy Velebil]

Yes, it is from 1973 and the only Port of that vintage I've ever had...and since its my birth year I've looked very hard, trust me.

[Glenn E.]

Definitely a 1973 - I confirmed this with Maria Theresa at AVEPOD on our last trip as I purchased a bottle. The back label says only that it is more than 30 years old.

I haven't tried it yet, but everything I hear says that it is wonderful (and not as expensive as the 1952 Dalva Golden White Colheita).

[Lars F]

Hi

I've been able to find a Santa Eufêmia Old Reserve White (without the very), in a local dealer. Would this be the same? It's priced at about $ 50.

-Lars

[Tom Archer]

If you want something special on the White front, check out Dirk's recently released Niepoort 10yr - the quantities available are small though..

Tom

[Bjørn Tore Aastorp Ruud]

Friends.
1973 it is, I checked with the Norwegian importer.

Do you know how the Niepoort Dry White Port is? This is the only white from Niepoort in Norway.

[Tom Archer]

Do you know how the Niepoort Dry White Port is?

I had it a couple of years ago - not very impressed.

Ageing makes a huge difference to whites.

Tom

[Andy Velebil]

Friends.
1973 it is, I checked with the Norwegian importer.

Do you know how the Niepoort Dry White Port is? This is the only white from Niepoort in Norway.

This is my "House White Port." One of the better inexpensive dry white's IMO. It is a great light bodied starter Port when having company over, especially when paired with some appetizers. But it's ment to be served well chilled, not room temp.

[Todd Pettinger]

Do you know how the Niepoort Dry White Port is?

I had it a couple of years ago - not very impressed.

Ageing makes a huge difference to whites.

Tom

Just curious Tom, but is that in a good way or bad?

Todd