The REDOMA BRANCO RESERVA is quite possibly Portugal’s most distinguished white wine in many years. Its fat bottle signals the nod to Burgundy. The 2006 REDOMA BRANCO RESERVA is more forward the ’05, and is showing relatively well at an age when the ’05 did not. There is a touch of oak on opening, resolving into a bright and gripping wine. I’m not sure this will be as ageworthy as the brilliant 2005 as it opens completely far faster, but it is intense, with a lingering finish. It seems deep and full bodied. In the context of the vintage, it is a fine achievement. Drink now-2012. 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.