Niepoort LBV Port

Dirk Niepoort's LBV is bottled unfiltered so, unlike many other late bottled vintage ports, it may have some sediment and therefore would benefit from being decanted. It's aged for around 4 years in large wooden vats before being bottled which gives it bags of characters and makes it perfect for immediate drinking. With a deep ruby colour it has intense fruits of the forest aromas and with spicy and dark chocolate notes and a subtle floral undertone. The palate is fresh and seductive with good texture and body, superbly smooth tannins and a lively acidity. The finish is long, firm rich.

Founded in 1842, the small Port house of Niepoort is now run by 5th generation of the family by brother and sister Dirk and Verena Niepoort. They're one of the few small independent Port houses still in existence but are, nonetheless, a thriving concern. In addition to Port they also concentrate increasingly on the table wines of the Douro valley and further afield. To say that Dirk Niepoort has revolutionised wine production in the Douro Valley would only risk understatement. Since his first experimental wine in 1990, and then first commercial production of Redoma Tinto a year later, Dirk has explored terroirs and experimented relentlessly.

While it's ready to drink now it's one that'll also mature further if cellared over the next few years. Perfect to go with dark chocolate, or mature Cheddar, Gouda, or Brie.