2018 Redoma Tinto
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,311 g. Redoma is Niepoort’s original Douro wine, first released in 1991. Old north-facing vineyards, average age 70 years, from Quinta de Nápoles and the Pinhão Valley form the basis of Redoma. Its main varieties are Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. 100% whole bunches were transferred into stainless-steel lagares equipped with mechanised stomping devices, where they macerated for a short period of time. Lastly the wine went through malolactic conversion in old wooden barrels where it also matured for approximately 22 months. Bottled July 2021. TA 5 g/l, pH 3.59. Mid crimson. Darker-fruited and more peppery than the Vertente. Pure-fruited without notable sweetness in the aroma thanks to the inviting herbal freshness of whole-bunch fermentation – but it is not stemmy, just fragrant. The finest of chalky tannins, dry and moreish. Refined in its minerally Douro dark character. Wonderful balance and freshness, the tannins building to a firmer chewy texture than in the Vertente. It feels as if there is more power here even though it is still extremely refined. Mouth-watering finish. Lithe and full of life. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Mark Squires
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Redoma is a field blend of typical grapes (like Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão) aged for 22 months in used 1,000-liter Portuguese vats. It comes in at just 12.5% alcohol. My pick for the best of the upper-level 2018 reds this issue, and a relative bargain besides, this easily coats the palate. Then, it shows off its power. Like its upper-level 2018 siblings, the fruit profile is not terribly expressive just now, and this is going to need a couple of years of cellaring to show its best. The upside potential seems most likely to be realized here in the group, however. Time will ultimately give us that answer, so come back around 2026. This is another of Niepoort's 2018s that you will want to buy only if you can cellar it, at least for a few years. It looks like a beauty in the making, but let's be a little cautious considering how closed and tight it is. There were 31,000 bottles produced from old vines (70+ years).
About the producer
Product details
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca/Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tempranillo, Other
Red
Dry