Niepoort Batuta Douro DOC 2013

Dirk Niepoort gave the Douro back its dry red wines, and since 1999 the Batuta has shown that signature most clearly. The grapes come from north-facing terraces in the Cima Corgo, from field blends with vines up to 100 years old on pure schist. Vines like these carry very little fruit. What they give instead is concentration, cool spice and the salty terroir note that fascinates us here. 18 months in Burgundy barrels gave the 2013 a fine frame. On the nose wild berries, cassis and dark cherry, with thyme and graphite. On the palate fresh, deep and elegant, carried by silky tannins and a long, salty finish. A harmonious Douro classic from a cool vintage that is drinking exactly on point today.