Cask sample in Magnum. I was intrigued to see how Niepoort was going to follow up on his awesome 2005 rendition of this Reserva; still the finest white wine I've ever tasted from Portugal, no less the Douro. Light golden in color with a flagrantly fragrant citrus bent towards grapefruit and a boatload of minerality. I felt that the '06 is showing lots of promise at such an early stage, with white pears, minerals and lemony acidity. In comparison to the 2005, which I've had over a half dozen times already, this shows less oak influence (or it is already integrated better) with slightly less acidity ... although it is not easy comparing them, without having them side-by-side. The significant strength of this Redoma Reserva is that it has a great mouth feel with a slightly oily texture, rich, smooth and exhibiting the requisite characteristics of a more evolved wine, say, at five years of age. Considering this is a cask sample version and also from Magnum, that is saying a lot. This Redoma Reseva is a solid offering from a mildly troublesome growing season and should drink well from 2009-2014.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Mainly Rabigato, Codega, Donzelinho, Viosinho and Arinto. Fermented and aged in French oak. No malo. Gently honeyed, minerally citrus, subtle, firm but no edges. Powerful and dense but still light on its feet. (JH)

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

The Redoma Branco Reserva is quite possibly Portugal's most distinguished white wine in many years. Its fat bottle signals the nod to Burgundy. The 2006 Redoma Branco Reserva is more forward the '05, and is showing relatively well at an age when the '05 did not. There is a touch of oak on opening, resolving into a bright and gripping wine. I'm not sure this will be as ageworthy as the brilliant 2005 as it opens completely far faster, but it is intense, with a lingering finish. It seems deep and full bodied. In the context of the vintage, it is a fine achievement.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio