More black than purple, like staring into an ink well, this young Niepoort exudes the extraction from old-vine field-blend grapes. This really could have used a much longer decant. Powerful and far less approachable than the 2017 Nacional that came directly before this black beauty. A remarkable nose of violets, black cherry, and cedar box, with a milk-chocolate and mint note as it unfurled. Medium to full weight, concentrated, with dark brash flavors of fresh fig, raspberry, and tar intermixed with purple plum and pure grape essence that delivered an intense interplay between tart and ripe flavors. Intensely focused acidity provided the balance, and the tannins are already seemingly integrated, which is likely why this stunning baby VP is so fun to drink right now. Stash some away for later in life, and/or be kind and leave some bottles for your children. My point of view would be to hold until 2050 and then have a bottle or two every few years or so, to fully appreciate the evolution. As much as I liked Dirk’s 2015, the 2017 is the real deal. A longer decant would have shown a very different Port. | 97+