Cellar
Favorite: 2019 Niepoort Charme Tinto Douro

BY NEAL MARTIN | MARCH 17, 2025I have long been an admirer and drinker of Dirk Niepoort’s wines, both fortified and unfortified. A 2019 Charme Tinto Douro was drinking beautifully when I cracked open a bottle recently. This bottling comes from the oldest vines in Vale de Mendiz, Portugal, overlooking the Pinhão river. It was vinified in traditional&nbsp;lagares&nbsp;with no destemming. The 2019 Charme has an open nose with brambly red berry fruit, raspberry and wild strawberry, perhaps a little Chambolle-like in style albeit without the Chambolle price tag (this cuvée frequently resembles Burgundy). Afforded time to open over three hours, the aromatics manifest autumn leaves and light vanilla pod scents. The palate continues in a similar style, the red fruit just edging into its secondary phase, the tannins melted and pliant. The texture caresses the mouth, with absolutely no hard edges and a lightness of touch toward the velvety finish, the sign of a talented winemaker at the helm. Prices remain exceptionally fair. Judging by the evolution of this 2019, it will easily cruise for another 15 to 20 years.&nbsp;94/Drink 2025-2043.<img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1741880877930-Vinous_charme+2019.jpg">© 2025, Vinous. No portion of this article may be copied, shared or redistributed without prior consent from Vinous. Doing so is not only a violation of our copyright, but also threatens the survival of independent wine criticism.

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