Medal for decanter under capsule?

[Daniel R.]

Opened a bottle of 1977 Niepoort Vintage over the weekend and under the capsule was a tin medal with the inscription "Niepoort 1977 Vintage" held by a thin string (not sure of what material). I assume this medal is intended to identify the wine once it has been decanted (i.e. to be placed around the neck of the decanter). I don't think I have ever seen this. Is this common? Is is specific to certain bottlings? Any information would be great.

[Marc J.]

I believe that Niepoort is the only shipper that that attached that particular vintage disk to their bottles. It isn't done anymore, but I do find that to be a cool feature on their somewhat older bottlings.

Marc

[Derek T.]

I've seen a similar thing on older both Borges & Irmao and Kopke bottlings. Very cool

[Andy Velebil]

I've only seen it done on the 1977, 1983, 1985 Niepoort VP's. (not sure of 1980, but assume so since 77/83/85 have it). I think it's a nice touch and I've kept the "dog tags" as a momento after opening a bottle. I've not seen anyone else do it, so defer to others (like Derek) who have.