The 2007 REDOMA RESERVA Branco is a typical Douro white blend of Rabigato, Codega, Viosinho and others from 80 year old vines. It was aged in French oak for 9 months. The alcohol is 13.5%. This seems to be a somewhat small scaled Reserva this year, compact and delicate, more subtle than intense. Although I was not always sure it had the necessary penetration on the finish that I have always loved in this wine, the balance between oak and fruit is rather good and gets better with air. It is thoroughly charming, elegantly crafted and a pleasure to drink. I tend to think it will be early maturing, though, and best drunk on the younger side. I’m leaning up a little, even though with some doubts. I liked the finesse here. A Portuguese white at this price point may have some difficulty in today’s economy, though. There were approximately 583 cases produced. Drink now-2011. One of the Douro’s icons, as well as top estates, Niepoort presents a wide range of wines, paying serious attention to whites as well as reds, and occasionally dabbling with international grapes like Riesling and Pinot Noir. His upper level wines like Batuta and Redoma Reserva Branco are among the Douro’s most sought after trophies in most vintages. His 2006 white vintage was quite good, exceeding expectations. The reds seemed to me to suffer a lot from vintage conditions, although certain decisions, like eliminating Batuta and using the juice for Redoma, often resulted in wines not too far off the 2005 red marks. 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