2007 Niepoort LBV Port

[Rune EG]

Late May 2011 I posted a tasting note with a score of 86 pts. The first bottle was purchased at Stockholm airport, Sweden end-May. The 2nd bottle at Copenhagen airport, Denmark end-August, so I trust these are from different shipments. Unfortunately this 2nd bottle is even worse. I still don’t understand why Niepoort is bottling this LBV only 3 yrs 7 mths after harvesting (I thought it had to be minimum 4 yrs), and why they sell this product when the 2007 vintage ports is at the very top of the VPs of that year. On Niepoort’s web site they are writing the flwg tasting note: “On the palate the fruit is evident along with a superb soft silky texture all held together with a firm structure and good length on the finish.” The bottles I have consumed are nowhere near that description. So maybe my bottles have been heat-treated in transport? I really look forward to tasting notes from other FTLOP-members.

Decanted 7.5 hrs. Medium to dark ruby colour. The first 5 hrs there were more spirit in the aroma than normal in a LBV. The oak was clearly noticeable throughout the whole decanting period. Medium body. The taste is in general very dry close to be bitter (developed late in the decanting period), the fruit is there in a minor way, and I would consider it to be nearly out-of-balance. It is drinkable, but not more. Relatively short finish. 83 pts.

[Moses Botbol]

Wow, Niepoort LBV is more common than their vintage in USA. This is good to know. I wonder if it'll turn around for the better?