2018 Redoma Tinto

Full bottle 1,311 g. Redoma is Niepoort’s original Douro wine, first released in 1991. Old north-facing vineyards, average age 70 years, from Quinta de Nápoles and the Pinhão Valley form the basis of Redoma. Its main varieties are Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. 100% whole bunches were transferred into stainless-steel lagares equipped with mechanised stomping devices, where they macerated for a short period of time. Lastly the wine went through malolactic conversion in old wooden barrels where it also matured for approximately 22 months. Bottled July 2021. TA 5 g/l, pH 3.59. Mid crimson. Darker-fruited and more peppery than the Vertente. Pure-fruited without notable sweetness in the aroma thanks to the inviting herbal freshness of whole-bunch fermentation – but it is not stemmy, just fragrant. The finest of chalky tannins, dry and moreish. Refined in its minerally Douro dark character. Wonderful balance and freshness, the tannins building to a firmer chewy texture than in the Vertente. It feels as if there is more power here even though it is still extremely refined. Mouth-watering finish. Lithe and full of life. (JH)