Dirk Niepoort is an extremely bright and creative chap with a huge number of ideas, many of which have been incredibly successful in practice. It would appeal to me enormously if I thought he might be even slightly irritating to work for, but I doubt it. He knows the business inside out and the workings, history and potential of Niepoort even more intimately. It is that potential that he leverages so ruthlessly and effectively. Whether it is Drink Me or Bioma, an ancient tawny lovingly cosseted through two generations in old cask or a contemporary iteration of fabulous table wine, Dirk`s insatiable curiosity and drive will have it done beautifully. He`s fascinated that top bartenders use his tawny in cocktails because of its freshness. And that freshness derives from use of Sousao - a grape he champions. Fascinating geezer, fabulous wines. (CW 05/08/14)