It is appropriate that the name “Batuta” means conductor’s baton. This is certainly the leader (and the finest) of the three reds made by Niepoort. That’s because, while it remains as powerful a statement as the other two (Redoma and Vertente), it also has better balance of rich fruits, sweet tannins and the dark chocolate flavors. Age for six years at least. ——R.V.(3/1/2007)—— 93