Very fresh and light, but with good complexity and depth. Very enjoyable, and pairs well with spicy foods.
This wine certainly bears little resemblance to the inexpensive Daos I was drinking back in the 70s and 80s (Terras Altas comes to mind). This one is all about freshness, and instead of oak, comes with a bracing dollop of minerality. As intended, very food-friendly, even with lighter fare such as roast chicken.
Dirk Niepoort prefers to pick early for his table wines and this shows here in this fresh, lively Dao (just 12.5% abv). Lean red currant fruit, along with plenty of pepper and spice, and hints of evergreen. Best with food. Will show better in 18-24 months. Tasted Nov 2016.
Touch bitter
Second bottle:
Time has softened this and it’s a real pasture now