1980 Dow's Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port

[Henrik Lilja]

Before reading this tasting note check out this post:
http://www.fortheloveofport.com/ftlopfo ... f=1&t=8139
Picture: http://www.fortheloveofport.com/portrai ... m_1980.jpg

The Dow Qt. do Bomfim 1980 vintage port was 1 out of 7 bottles drunk in The Danish Port Wine Club est. 1981 at the 27. october 2009 - the theme was "Back to the 80's". The other 6 bottles were: Confraria do Vinho do Porto 1982, Fonseca vintage port 1985, Cockburn Qt. do Tua 1987 vintage port, Delaforce Qt. da Côrte 1987, Burmester vintage port 1985, Sandeman vintage port 1982.


Well - back to the TN of the Dow Qt. do Bomfim 1980 vintage port. About 35 joined the tasting. We rate the ports at a 20-points scale. The Qt. do Bomfim came out the winner with a 17,5 average (my rating was 18).

The port is black as ink. How could this be port from 1980 - it just doesn't make sense! So very young. In the beginning the nose was almost 100% closed. But after 15 min. the nose came alive with fresh black berries, vanilla, forest floor. The nose changed every 15. min. When I drank the last zip the nose showed elder and a lot of black pepper.

The port was extremely compact and very "muscular" - a true blockbuster. Still so very young and fresh. Still a lot of lively tannins. How did it taste? Just like the "nose" - vanilla, black fresh berries and a lot of liqourice. The port just invades your mouth - you get the feeling, that it will never leave. It plays your mind!

The port is still young. Still lots of tannins. Will evolve for many years to come - many years. The problem is - this bottle is very rare - no official bottles are produced. If you see a bottle - just buy it what ever the cost. This is the core of true vintage port.