Nammi Cape Late Bottled Vintage 2004

A LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) is a Cape (or “Port,” as it used to be known) style of fortified wine that is full-bodied and dark, with signs of a tawny colour or tawny character developing. According to South African wine legislation, it is to be matured in oak barrel or in bottle for at least 3 years. 85% of the wine in bottle shall be of a single vintage year and this wine must be certified and sold as a vintage wine – i.e. with year of vintage denoted on the label. This rare style of “Port” is immediately accessible due to its extended time in barrel, offering the best of a matured Cape Vintage without the need for further cellaring.

The Niel Joubert “Nammi” LBV 2004 offer just that, and more!

It has an opaque ruby colour with a noticeable brown/brick-red hue around the outer edges of the glass – indicative of its extended maturation period in barrel. The nose is incredibly layered and complex, with multi-faceted scents of dark chocolate, rum-and-raisin ice cream, hazelnuts, almonds, roasted coffee beans, tobacco roll, old leather, Christmas spices and cedar wood. A combination of black fruits, vanilla and stewed prunes complete the aromatic experience. Befittingly to an LBV-style, the palate is soft, juicy, and accessible, with a well-matured tannin structure which has had sufficient time in bottle (20 years!) to mellow out. Subtle oak nuances in the background are complemented by flavours of stewed black fruits, a variety of nuts, spice and chocolate. The finish is long and satisfying, and not overtly sweet at all. Abundant flavours of chocolate truffles, almonds and marzipan round off this delicious, fortified wine with a definitive winter charm.

While equally enjoyable on its own, the following food pairing suggestions will elevate the wine’s rich, complex profile:

• Rustic fare like slow-roasted pork belly or beef short ribs with a spiced fruit glaze.
• A selection of mature cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola, or aged Gouda.
• Dark chocolate truffles, flourless chocolate cake, or a rich chocolate tart.
• Almond biscotti, hazelnut praline, or marzipan-based desserts.
• Fruitcake or Christmas pudding.
• Tiramisu or coffee-flavoured mousse.

The wine’s tobacco, leather, and cedar wood notes also make it an excellent companion for enjoying with a fine cigar!

GRAPES: 100% Shiraz

ANALYSIS: Alcohol: 20% | Residual Sugar: 90.6 g/l | pH: 3.56 | Total Acidity: 7.2 g/l

AWARDS & RATINGS:
5* / Port-style Wine of the Year – Platter’s Guide 2026
Double Gold – Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2025

BOTTLE SIZE:
500ml