2003 Batuta Tinto
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Tasting notes
The 2003 BATUTA is a creature of its vintage, too, only this time the wine is rich and ripe, with utterly delicious fruit. Elegant in weight, it is not shy in flavor and it is quite persistent. This is a rather delicious Batuta, if not quite as complex as usual, and somewhat more decadent. Drink now-2018. 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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Dark red color. Cherry and dark berry aromas along with strong oak notes of vanilla, cocoa and clove. Fat and rich on the palate but also powerfully structured, with solid tannins framing the flavors of cherry and plum preserves. Finishes sweet and spicy, with a suggestion of dryness. The oak in these young wines was fairly strong at the outset but settled down with aeration, allowing the concentrated fruit qualities to emerge.
Very sweet and round with only the vaguest hint of raisining. Because of the extreme heat this year the gapes were picked relatively early and then the must spent almost six weeks on skins. Tinta Amarela dominates again. Very charming and winning and just very slightly tarty. (JR)
About the producer
Product details
Touriga Franca/Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tempranillo, Other
Red
Dry