1980 Dow Vintage Port

[Shawn Denkler]

Just after decanting: a huge mouthful of port, big fruit and tannin, yet tasting good right away.

After 4 hours: softening nicely and easy to drink but still very big.

After 8 hours: Deep color. A pretty nose typical of Dow.
I'm amazed at how much fruit is in this port.
In the Napa wine industry we talk about round tannins from ripe fruit picked at 25 degrees Brix or more with long hang time.
The Dow has lots of tannins but they are round and smooth.
The acid is lower than many ports, but enough for balance.
No trace of alcohol noticed.
It does not seem as dry as normal for Dow, probably the big fruit keeps it from tasting dry.

The grapes for this must have been picked riper than normal indicated by the lower acid, big round tannins, and big fruit.
I can not remember a port with these characteristics. It should have a very long life but is wonderful now. It's a real powerhouse. I do not think it will even start declining for 20 more years.

95 points.

[Eric Menchen]

This and the 1980 Warres are both unexpectedly powerful and tasty given how little attention is given to this vintage. I love them both and wish they were easier to find.

[Moses Botbol]

This and the 1980 Warres are both unexpectedly powerful and tasty given how little attention is given to this vintage. I love them both and wish they were easier to find.

Grahams, Taylor and Sandeman are also great for the vintage.

[Roy Hersh]

I have not been a big fan of the Taylor, it is good, but not on a par with all others mentioned here.

Also, don't forget the 1980 Gould Campbell which is up to par with 1977/1983/1985/1994 GC.

[Moses Botbol]

Also, don't forget the 1980 Gould Campbell which is up to par with 1977/1983/1985/1994 GC.

Yes, that is a good one as is Ferreira on the same level.

[Roy Hersh]

Yep, the 1980 Ferreira is one of my personal faves and likely best since the 1960; but not on the same scale the 1975 Ferreira is an over-achiever.

[Moses Botbol]

Yep, the 1980 Ferreira is one of my personal faves and likely best since the 1960; but not on the same scale the 1975 Ferreira is an over-achiever.

'75 is terrific, but only had once a long time ago. '85 Ferreira impressed me recently more than it has in the past. It's right where it needs to be now. Trying restraint from opening them so free spirited.

[Roy Hersh]

Agreed, the 1985 is fantastic and underrated by most, early on.

[Moses Botbol]

Agreed, the 1985 is fantastic and underrated by most, early on.

Kicking myself for drinking them so casually a decade ago. I would've held off if I known they become the beauties they are today.

[Roy Hersh]

Kicking myself for drinking them so casually a decade ago. I would've held off if I known they become the beauties they are today.

Huh?

I knew you a decade ago. That's when we all came to Sean's for the Port weekend. You were no knucklehead at that point and realized what a fine Port would turn into.

[Moses Botbol]

Kicking myself for drinking them so casually a decade ago. I would've held off if I known they become the beauties they are today.

Huh?

I knew you a decade ago. That's when we all came to Sean's for the Port weekend. You were no knucklehead at that point and realized what a fine Port would turn into.

We got the 85 Ferreira's for like $25 a bottle back then. I liked them then, but boy did they turn for the better. I think I have 3-4 Ferreira '85 left. I keep all the squatty Ferreira bottles in one OWC. A few different vintages are in there. I have a case of '80 Ferreira in squatty bottles, but they were shipped and stored upright, so I keep them like that. Not sure how many bottles remain in that case.

I don't think '85 Graham for instance has improved in 10 years. Sean and I had some discussion on 85 vs 94 when we sampled some 94's recently. Neither of us recall '85 as being as young tasting 10 year ago as '94 is now. That could make for an interesting thread.

[Roy Hersh]

So go start a thread, sounds like a good one that many will likely participate in.