Niepoort Retinto--What is it?

[John M.]

I’ve been trying to find out what this is—a ruby, tawny, a precursor to Junior, a vintage port, a crusted port?!?!? I can find nothing--including Wine Searcher. There’s a picture on FTLOP (P30 of Bottles & Corks) but no TN as far as I can tell. I saw it for sale for $40/bottle.

Thanks

[Andy Velebil]

Based on the Picture I'd guess it to be either a basic or Reserve Ruby...but I don't rightly know for sure.

[John M.]

I think Niepoort may have had to change the name due to the IVDP and it is what is now known as Junior Tinto.

[Andy Velebil]

I've reached out so hopefully I hear back soon with an answer as to the story of this Port.

[John M.]

Update: I asked the retailer, Benchmark, about this and he ironically consulted with Roy.

Here is the text....He(Roy) believes this particular label is a pre-1970’s label that represented their basic ruby or tawny port. We believe the more modern labeling of this wine is the Niepoort Porto Junior Tinto NV. Let me know if you have any other questions regarding this bottling.

Side note: I had traded emails with Roy about this but it was right when the newsletter was coming out with a Portugal trip following, so I knew he could not really respond until later. I appreciate his response through the retailer; he effectively killed two birds with one stone. Thanks Roy, have a great time.

For those of you wondering, the list price is $39.

[Andy Velebil]

John,
I found out exactly what this was, straight from Dirk Niepoort. It was a Vintage Character (Ruby) Port originally made by his father for a merchant in France who wanted a very young fruit driven ruby Port. They started making it sometime in the 1970's and stopped making it about 10 years ago. Being unfiltered, it is capable of aging a bit and if stored well is probably still good.

Hope that helps.

[John M.]

Thanks Andy!!!

A ruby with aging potential--that sounds novel.