For The Love Of Port

Let's talk Dow

Tasted: 77, 92(Bomfim), 94, 95(Bomfim), 97, 03

Rank in order of preference: 94, 97, 03, 77, 95, 92

The 03 Dow (double decanted and drunk over 2 days) had that patented bluish color. And as usual from my experiences, harnesses its alcohol and never shows much heat on either the nose or palate, which always surprises me. Contrary to a number of reviews I had read prior to tasting, this does not appear to have anywhere near the concentration or depth of the 94 or 97. It was very smooth but did not strike me as being very complex and seemed to have slightly less acidity than the other Dows I've tasted. Lacking grip. This one does not strike me as being long lived. I don't think it holds a candle to the top wines of the vintage. 87

94 Dow - had a shimmering, almost metalic sheen to its color, with great density, concentration and complexity. Extremely bright and blue color with ripe tannins and plenty of grip and acidity. I think this will be a star with a terrifically long life. 96+

97 Dow - again lots of concentration, depth and complexity and structure. Another good one to age. 95+

95 Dow Bomfin - I remember this one atypically(compared to the others) showing some heat. It reminded me of some of the other 95s I've tried that needed some decanting to quell the heat(i.e. Croft). Maybe I didn't give this enough time as I've learned how to do better since then. 85+?

77 Dow (bottle opened at bar after getting the last glass of Graham's 77 with all the sediment, yes I 'educated' the willing bartender) - lots of caramel, very faded light reddish/browning color. The fruit did not have time to come to the forefront but was pretty balanced overall. Without air it reminded me more of a tawny than a vintage port. I'm more into vintage than tawnies so this did not grab me like I was hoping it would. 88-90

92 Dow - out of a handful of 375s I've opened - none have impressed me in any way. I can't seem to put my arm around this one and have never warmed up to it. I've never liked this one but have a couple left. Bad bunch from shipping?... bottles all look very sound, no corks protruding. ??

1. 1955
2. 1970
3. 1994
4. 1977
5. 1997
6. 1985
7. Haven't tried the other vintages.

92?

Dow declared '91 - was this Q. Bomfim?

Tom

My favorites in order:

1994
1977
2003
1955
2000
1980
1983
1970
1997
1985


Mike, your 1977 sounds like it's an off bottle. Mine are very dark, young, and still need time.

-Dave-

(edited to add the 1983 and the 1980 which I had forgotten)

I have had:

1977
1980
1983
1985
1995
1997

I totally loved the 77 and agree with the others on 95 Bomfin which was a disappointment for me. For my money though, my vote goes for the 1980 which I think is very underrated and a great QPR when you can find it. Enjoyed the 83 a lot too.

Steve

:o What about the 66? Surely the best! My order:

1. 66
2. 80
3. 77
.
.
.

Can't distinguish all the others of the top of my head, but those three stand out.

I'll be trying the 85 next week and then I'll add that one to the list!

1977-- For me this is what mature Vintage Port is all about, complexity, silky and intensity
2000 -- It reminded me so much of a young 77
2003 -- this stuff is really concentrated, tannins are bold and powerful, very long life ahead.
1983 -- Nice integrated Port, still showing some fruit but ready to be drunk for my taste.
1991 -- Was good, but in the middle of a change from primary fruit to secondary flavours. Needs time.
1980 -- From a half bottle 4 years ago, I did not like, too much heat. Probably not as good as it can show, some really liked this one on the forum.

I did had 84, 88 and 95 from Bomfin, 95 was good but 88 was completly muted. 84 is pretty good right now, complex and balanced but a bit short on the finale. I had it 2 weeks ago in Portugal.

I've only tasted two that I can remember. I've tasted 1994 and 1970. It's very hard to pick one that is better. I think the 1994 may be the better port overall but for current drinking the 1970 is perfectly mature and drinking very well right now.

This is an easier question that Roy's choice between '70 and '77, and one where my tasting experience can contribute to an answer (I haven't drunk a lot of VPs from the '70s and don't really feel that I've missed out much).

My Dow's, including Bomfim:
1970 - tasted twice and scoring 91 and 92 points
1983 - tasted twice and scoring 90 and 92 points
1985 - tasted once and scoring 91 points
1995 - Bomfim tasted three times. Scored 89, 89 and an astonishing 93 points for a bottle that was just stunning and so very different from the other two. If I had a few more bottles like this last one then it might move itself up above the '85 regular VP.

And that's the sum total of my Dow drinking!

Alex