The 2006 REDOMA BRANCO is the latest release under this brand name. This is beautifully constructed, tinged with oak around the edges, but impeccably balanced, with lovely fruit poking through and asserting itself quickly. This is not, to my mind, quite as impressive as the irresistible 2005, but it is a fine wine in a more difficult vintage. Drink now-2010. 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.