SimonSaysDrink wrote:Granted, this probably should go under a different headliner, but the theme is relevant: Niepoort decided to forego their renowned dry wines 'Batuta' and 'Charme' bottlings for 2006 as well. Apparently quality was a bit evasive in 2006, something I detected amongst many Douro wines at ProWein a few weeks back. Shucks.
In February when I visited Niepoort, they had no plan to bottle Charme and Batuta. In April when Dirk visited me, he said he'll probably do Charme, quantity will be less than usual but it will be good.
Charme 06 is made and bottled, Batuta has not been made. For 2007 both Batuta and Charme will be made. The different components tasted darn good from cask.
Andy V wrote:2006 wasn't the best of years, so they would benefit from not jacking the price up too high for a mediocre vintage.
I was thinking about this line a bit, and to me it makes a lot of sense... But rather than not jacking up the price, they should offer it particularly low. Mediocre years then become a way to introduce new drinkers to port, while collectors are likely to scoop up the bottles in volume for every-day drinking (while still leaving them with plenty of budget for the big years).
JoshDrinksPort Port wine should perhaps be added -- A Trollope
Andy V wrote:2006 wasn't the best of years, so they would benefit from not jacking the price up too high for a mediocre vintage.
I was thinking about this line a bit, and to me it makes a lot of sense... But rather than not jacking up the price, they should offer it particularly low. Mediocre years then become a way to introduce new drinkers to port, while collectors are likely to scoop up the bottles in volume for every-day drinking (while still leaving them with plenty of budget for the big years).
I like the way the Symingtons do it. They postpone the release of a number of single quintas for 8 to 10 years and offer them then for very reasonable prices (e.g. the Dutch market now sees Warre's Cavadinha 1995 and Dow's Bomfim 1998 for 25 euro). That's the way to get people interested in buying vintage port.
"We are currently launching for laying down the 2006 Vintage [Quinta da Gricha] which won a Gold Medal at this year’s International Wine Challenge in London"
- So some good news!
Tom
I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I shall be sober and you will still be ugly - W.S. Churchill
