The 2008 REDOMA BRANCO is a typical old vines (40-80 years) Douro blend of grapes like Codega, Rabigato, Donzelinho, Viosinho and Arinto, aged for 9 months in French oak casks. This shows some oak on opening, but it is immediately cut with acidity, giving the wine freshness and life. It is, like a lot of Niepoort offerings, a high altitude wine, the vineyards being at 400 to 700 meters. There is not a lot of depth, but there is a lovely, flavorful finish. As this evolved in the glass, I was pleased to see the acidity pushing on past the oak, but there was always that touch of caramel on the finish. Drink this young and fresh to enjoy the invigorating acidity. Although I thought this was surpassed easily by its Reserva sibling reviewed this issue, it is a fine wine in its own right. There were 1,616 cases produced, of which approximately 150 were imported. Drink now-2012. In the right years, Niepoort is a top producer in the Douro, for both white and red, which not many can say. His wines are imported, but not in large quantities, which may be related to the relatively high price points. In his lineup this year, the Tiara and regular Redoma Branco are the sweet spots for bang for the buck. 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.