Dow's, Vintage Port 2000

Shows the intense ripeness of the vintage with hints of raisins and other dried fruits. Full-bodied, medium sweet, and so very velvety. A big mouthful. Superb. It's just starting to open.

I underestimated this Dow when it was first released. It is deeper in colour than the Fonseca; the Dow 2000 has a lifted nose with fruitcake, damson, black plum, a touch of nail varnish and apricots. The more that you inhale its perfume, the more complex it seems. 

The palate is full-bodied, quite spicy on the entry but very austere in the middle. Firm tannins, robust, with a touch of dryness towards the earthy finish. Excellent persistency on the finish, those peppery motes flittering about the mouth.

Drink 2020 - 2050+

Heavily led by Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, Dow’s vintage Port wines are blended from two of owner Symington’s preferred vineyards: Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. The wines are noted for their drier styles, with Dow’s pushing the fermentation longer than standard practice. This was aged in old oak casks for 18 months before bottling. RM is Still youthful in appearance, with lovely fragrant, floral aromas, underlying intensity and depth. 

Fresh, firm, ripe minty-berry fruit with tight-knit tannins and a long, well-defined finish. SJ Rich, beguiling nose dominated by plummy concentration and chocolate truffles. The full-bodied and dense palate is supported by high acidity and a good tannic bite. It was satisfying indeed. DW is Compact and dense, with emerging juicy and persistent black fruit, spice, liquorice and hints of leather. Tannic refreshment and freshness keep the whole wine in balance.

Drink 2022 - 2060

An opaque blue/purple colour typical of this vintage's top offerings) is followed by a strikingly provocative aromatic display flowers, liquorice, blackberries, and cassis). This firmly structured, classic, tightly-knit, restrained port exhibits brilliant purity and impressive intensity. While not the most dramatic or flamboyant, it is a beautiful, classically structured port that will age gracefully. 

Anticipated maturity: 2008 - 2030

It is saturated bright ruby. Primary, backward aromas of cassis, redcurrant, liquorice, minerals, bitter chocolate and spices. Penetrating, structured and powerful. It's not hugely sweet but boasts superb flavour definition and impressive extract. A very unevolved port that's best today on the expanding finish features notes of cassis, violet, dark chocolate, peaty earth, and terrific grip and thrust.