1994 Niepoort vintage port -- with important comments and questions

[Rune EG]

Purchased six bottles in London in 1998 and they have all since then been stored in our temperature controlled purpose built wine cellar. Five bottles have been opened, of which the fifth was yesterday. Totally undrinkable due to aroma and taste of various types of chemicals and paint. Of these five only one was barely drinkable (posted on FTLOP December 2012 with 83 pts). Unless a miracle is taking place I expect the sixth and last bottle to be bad as well. Will try it shortly.

Niepoort has admitted that they made some terrible mistakes both with 1994 and 1997 vintage bottling especially related to the corks. For us port enthusiasts we buy the vintage ports to consume them 15-20 years later (or longer). At that stage we will find out whether the product is good or not. A big risk. If I assume that also the sixth bottle is bad, I have purchased and paid for six bottles that are no good at all, and it has been waste of money and wasted waiting time. The producer admits huge errors. Where do that place us as consumers?

[Andy Velebil]

I know Dirk did offer to replace some bottles in the past. No idea if that still holds true. Niepoort had major issues after 1985 and thru 1997, mostly with V.A. So far the 2000s haven't shown any issues....thankfully.

[Rune EG]

The fact that Niepoort has been willing to replace such bottles is totally new for me.

Thanks for the information.

[Frederick Blais]

I did open 3 bottles of 1994 so far, never had any issues. Of course, 1991,1992, 1994 are not great Niepoort vintages but never seen any bottles undrinkable like 1997. Though I'm a big fan of 1987 for the wines produced between 85 and 2000 it is probably the best.