New DOW port: "NIRVANA"

[Christian Gollnick]

DOW has launched a new port: NIRVANA. I suppose the name is not really a tribute to one of my favorite bands, but rather based on the fact that you can find heaven on Earth by drinking this wine... Whenever I see or hear something from the Symingtons, I'm just amazed by the love to detail that they show to everything port-related. I'm quoting here from their web-page: "After a series of preliminary tastings together with a well respected Sommelier and wine taster, the blend was refined to accentuate the floral aromas and the tannic structure of the wine. Samples of this blend were then sent to be scientifically analyzed at the University of Leuven, where Professor Lammertyn and his team identified the key flavour components that were both common and complementary to the Port and to chocolates of different styles and origins. Based on these findings, The Flanders Taste Foundation panel (including a respected young chocolatier, a food pairing expert, a former Michelin Star Chef, and a well-known sommelier) produced a food pairing analysis report to define the best combination."
In the end, the panel found that this port goes best with dark chocolate from Costa Rica with 64% cacao.
These details are the reason why the Symingtons are where they are...
Even if my heart beats for old Tawnies and Coheitas, I must say that I also enjoy very much "Black" from Quinta do Noval. "Black" is the perfect way to get people interested in drinking port, I found - at least all my friends that tasted it said only good things about it (or they are just polite...). I suppose and hope that "Nirvana" will be something close to that port...
"Nirvana" and chocolate - I think this is a perfect match for a cold winter evening.
Here is the link to the web-page: http://www.dowsnirvana.com

[Rob C.]

They have quite a line-up of basic ruby now: Master Blend Ruby; Fine Ruby; Trademark Finest Reserve; Midnight Port - i wonder where this will fit in price-wise.

"Black" is the perfect way to get people interested in drinking port, I found

I must admit, i have had far more success in this regard with something like a Graham 70 or Graham 85!

[Hannes Erven]

It seems that Nirvana is a replacement for Midnight.