TN: 1996 Niepoort Redoma Douro Red

[Will W.]

Purchased out of curiosity at auction in Portugal some time ago, this bottle was recently rediscovered in the cellar and taken to Canada to share with friends in the country who are unfamiliar with Portuguese wines. To the eye, the appearance was typical of older wines – akin to that of deoxygenated blood – whilst the nose was presented with unmistakable (though not overpowering) wafts of oak along with pleasing metallic undertones and those of berries as well as forest floor. On the palate, the wine revealed its retention of considerable balance, offering subtle notes of hay, smoke, blood orange and raisons. The three hours spent in the decanter was likely ninety minutes too long; moreover, the wine, in light of its maturity, was overpowered somewhat by the meat served by the host (i.e., barbequed steak). Nonetheless, this bottle was a pleasure to drink – and, most especially, to share with friends - even if the optimal drinking window would arguably appear to have closed, in accordance with one’s taste, three or four years prior.

[Andy Velebil]

I've had a few of these older Redoma wines over the years and they are exactly as you describe. Enjoyable to drink and fun to peak into the older style of Douro wines, but past their best days. If anyone has any I'd recommend drinking sooner rather than later.