The 2015 Vertente is a field blend from old vines (30 to 60 years), with Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and others, aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak (the rest used in varying ages). It comes in at just 12.5% alcohol. This is often a nice value point in Niepoort`s lineup. That`s especially true this year. From the first taste, it went right near the top of my list of favorite Vertentes. To be sure, it isn`t the most concentrated Vertente ever (the 2011 might be considered there), but it is one of the freshest and most flavorful. In its elegant style, it is a very good value, combining high quality—including the ability to age—and good pricing. 91 points