TN: 2003 Niepoort Batuta

[Frederick Blais]

Well, I had something to celebrate tonight. Can't say much right now, probably in a month or so, but I can tell that if it works it will answers many of Tom's inquiery upon IDVP body regulation and will be greater benefits for the customers. I also have to thank Roy who knows I am greatly in dept for the help he provided me.

For the Batuta, well, I just love that wine. Tasted with Luis last year at Qta do Napoles just after botteling, it has evolved already but no dumb phase. On the nose it shows ripe dark berries, seducing vanilla toasted flavours, fresh garden spices and earthy notes with time. Still on the palate, the wine is ripe, but as in every good Douro wines, nice acidity comes in and gives balance with the addition of minerality. Tannins are dry but not overwhelming adding an extra layer to the wine, nicely grained, they should integrate nicely over time. Nice lingering finish on noble wood, dark chocolate and ripe dark berries. 17,5/20+ Give this another 5 years at least