2014 Redoma Branco

The 2014 Redoma Branco is an old-vines field blend coming in at 12.5% alcohol. Sourced from the Douro's right bank at 500 to 600 meters in altitude, it was aged for eight months in French oak, only 20% new. It seems rather full in the mouth in its youth, coating the palate nicely. With fine acidity supporting and lifting the fruit, this is beautifully balanced and expressive. It is, actually, glorious at the moment. It resolves into a more elegant wine with air, the acidity always making it refreshing. Coming in at just 12.5% alcohol, it is very impressive and an overachiever. In this crisp vintage, it should age well (Niepoort's wines usually do) and perhaps better than I think. There were 37,500 bottles produced.