Niepoort Vertente Douro 2015

The 2015 Vertente is a field blend from old vines (30 to 60 years), with Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and others, aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak (the rest used in varying ages). It comes in at just 12.5% alcohol. This is often a nice value point in Niepoort's lineup. That's especially true this year. From the first taste, it went right near the top of my list of favorite Vertentes. To be sure, it isn't the most concentrated Vertente ever (the 2011 might be considered there), but it is one of the freshest and most flavorful. In its elegant style, it is a very good value, combining high quality—including the ability to age—and good pricing.