Niepoort Redoma Reserve Branco 2021

The 2019 Redoma Reserva Branco is a field blend from old vines featuring Rabigato, Códega, Viosinho, Arinto and others, all aged for nine months in 60% new French oak. It comes in very dry and at just 12.0% alcohol. This has more new wood and a longer time in wood than the regular Redoma Branco, but that doesn't make it any better. For some, it may be a demerit. The style issue here is far more important than any qualitative issue. The new wood does impart a touch of vanilla here, but the extra wood also gives this velvety texture. There's a longer finish as well. At the moment, I like the regular Redoma as much, maybe more. It is true that extended cellaring may change that answer, and this may do better in the cellar. It still has to prove that, and are you willing to wait several years? In that case, somewhere around 2030, you may well be rewarded handsomely. Meanwhile, this is nearly twice the price.