2014 Batuta Tinto

Old-vine field blend. 22 months in French oak. Deep cherry red. More dark-fruited than the Vertente, more rocky/mineral. Silky freshness and elegance, fine, light and juicy. Subtle and long. (JH)

The 2014 Batuta, Niepoort's well-known field blend from old vines, may actually show as well as the Redoma this year, even though this was the type of wine that I thought might have some obvious problems. The context there is that Niepoort usually makes Batuta in a very understated fashion. Now, take a vintage that tends to produce lighter wines. That might not have a very good result. Yet, this year, in structure it might actually have a bit more pop than the Redoma, although it is still quite understated in concentration (thank the 2014 vintage). The Redoma has slightly more vivid fruit and more flavor, but this does well and has a lively, graceful feel. Perhaps, it just seems more like itself. Let's put it that way. As always, don't expect to be hit over the head. This is on the lighter side, relying on freshness and elegance rather than size and concentration. In the best years, this has old-school finesse and lingering fruit. In this year, it does reasonably well, even if it is a bit shy here and there. This is a nice and subtle performance for a very difficult vintage. It grows on you as it sits in the glass. No pricing or other information could be obtained in time for publication, but the suggested retail is usually in the $90s.

10% stems and maceration up to eight weeks – they wanted to fine-tune the tannins. Mid crimson but you can see the bottom of the glass. Very perfumed. Racy and sinewy but very different from the mainstream Douro reds. Lots to chew on. VERY fresh and linear. (JR)