Port is a wine that I’ve neglected entirely since my time writing this column however being the week before Christmas I can’t think of a better time to bring one out into the limelight. Niepoort are our producer of choice and have been since about 2006. They’re always up there at the top when I comes to panel tastings and most recently by Decanter Magazine highlighting their LBV as ‘The Best Late Bottle Vintage Port on the market.’ A wonderful endorsement and reinforced with a score of 95/100. Late Bottled Vintage port is from a single year. The wine is aged for 4-6 years in old oak casks (opposed to Vintage that ages 2-3). LBV fills the gap between the rubies and the vintage ports since a Ruby Port should be drunk quite young and a great Vintage Port may need 15 to 20 years to really open up and show its splendour.
The fruit is all foot trodden in granite “lagares” and then the wine is aged in large wooden vats in the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia in the heart of Porto. It is Niepoort’s tradition to begin bottling LBV four years after harvesting to maintain the freshness and fruitiness which are characteristic of these wines. A pretty, deep ruby/violet colour, it has a complex aroma where red fruit notes are predominant, reminiscent of cherries and spices, with a peppery touch. A hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is greatly concentrated and full-bodied with firm tannins which at the same time are elegant and smooth.
This is the drink that I’m most looking forward to on Christmas Day with the enjoyment enhanced further with a selection of cheeses from our good friend Cedric and his Cheesee Peasee van. It will also go serenely with chocolate based desserts. Either way I’d be surprised if there’s any left at the end of the night.
Niepoort LBV 2009 (£20)
http://oldlockett.making.me.uk/shop/niepoort-lbv/
