2005 Batuta Tinto

Quite closed at the moment but already elegant. Velvety with violet notes and restrained black fruit. As with all Niepoort’s reds, lovely freshness. (JH)

The 2005 BATUTA is the latest release of one of Portugal’s most sought after trophies, and easily the most successful of Niepoort’s 05 reds. There were only 50 cases imported of 700 produced. Dirk Niepoort likes it better than his 2004. I disagree. That said, this has many merits. It is a classically elegant 2005. It has surprising grip on the finish, and a certain—how to put this?—subtle richness. Yet, it is surprisingly light, and does not show the density or structure of the 2004. Like most of Niepoort’s 2005 red lineup, it seems to me to be a step back, although it was the only Tinto in this lineup that was still fairly interesting to drink on Day 2. It is still very fine, and will develop into a moderately complex wine with some age. It could use some time to settle down, but it seems surprisingly approachable. Drink 2009-2020. Niepoort is one of the Douro’s iconic estates. In most vintages, Niepoort produces rather elegant wines, with a nod to Burgundy. In 2005, a vintage that produced lighter red wines in the first place, Niepoort’s lineup is very understated. The VERTENTE line’s first release was 2000. It is a more modestly priced entrant in Niepoort’s lineup compared to the well known trophies like Batuta and Charme. Importer: Martine’s Wines, Inc., Novato, CA.; tel: (415) 883-0400; except in New York/New Jersey: Eric Solomon, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.