Tannins and Port

[N Bizall]

I recently tried a bottle of Dows Ruby port. As a novice port drinker, I thought it was good. It was smooth and had a nice body to it. One thing I noticed was the feeling it left on my teeth and gums. I was constantly feeling this sensation with my tounge. After reading the FAQ section on this website, I figure this may be due to the tannins. Am I correct in assuming this? I wouldn't say this was a bad sensation. I thought it was unique and added to the pleasure of the drink.
Also, what do aficionados of port, think of Dows? Is It the mad dog 20/20 of port? or a decent selection? Any thoughts opinions or whatever wisdom you can give to a novice port drinker would be very appreciated. Thank you! Look forward to conversing with all of you!

[Andy Velebil]

Hi Welcome to the Forum!

Dow's is a wonderful producer who generally makes fantastic stuff. That said, like most producers, their lowest tier Ports are serviceable but nothing to necessarily write home about. And no where near the **cough** fantastic Mad Dog 20/20 The important think is if you like it and if you do then stick with it until you feel ready to branch out and try other Ports. I would recommend taking small steps and trying something like a Graham's Six Grapes or a Bin 27 or Sandeman Founders Reserve. All of which are Ruby Reserves, the next step up from a basic Ruby, and all of which are very good Ports at that level and are generally easy to find.

[N Bizall]

Thanks for the reply Andy. I've seen Six Grapes and Fonseca bin 27 (both at Costco) but I didn't know they were Reserves. The last thing I picked up was a Dows 2008 late bottled vintage. It was on sale for $22 seemed like a good deal!

[Eric Ifune]

The Dow's 08 LBV is a nice wine, a couple steps up from their basic ruby. Another ruby reserve I like is the Noval Black, usually easy to find.

[Roy Hersh]

Dow's makes some nice dry white Port, occasionally brilliant LBV's, and almost always respectable to extraordinary Vintage Ports. Known for the dry style and excellent aromatics, it is a Port that people love (if they prefer dry style of Port) while some prefer the sweeter essence of Graham's. But there are so many excellent producers of both ruby Ports and wood-aged Ports, so for now, look for good values, keep reading and tasting and slowly you will learn what appeals most to you. Thanks for starting the discussion!

[John Trombley]

I often have found that Dow's LBVs improve considerably when cellared. I bought a case of the '82 and was fairly disappointed with it, drank through most of it, and only dicovered when it was about 20 years old that it was much better than I supposed, when I had only 3 or 4 bottles left. If their LBVs seem 'big' to you, or somewhat overpowering, you probably have one that's worth laying down.

[Edward J]

I was pouring a glass of Fonseca 2008 LBV Port for my daughter's beau and he remarked it was much smoother than the bottle I had given him for Christmas. The difference was air. Port really, really benefits from some time open. Decanting is best, but I'll often just pour a couple of glasses a few hours ahead of time. The air smooths out those tannins. Try the different producers and you will find a favorite. I picked up a bottle of Warre's Warrior Reserve Port for $12.99 @ Trader Joe's.

Warrior is the oldest brand of Port in the world, having been shipped continuously since the 1750’s.

So while Vintage Port may be the ultimate expression of bottle aged Port, it is only 1% of production. The bread and butter are the reserves, and they strive to make them the best they can for the price.

[Scheiny S]

i've had Dow's Boardroom Reserve Tawny and Finest Ruby Reserve and didn't like either. i thought they were very light bodied where i prefer more body, and too sweet without any complexity. i disliked the Reserve Tawny so much i didn't drink the rest of it, i used it a few ounces at a time in syrup for rumcake or waffles. that was delicious, but too expensive to do again on purpose.
i got the 2008 LBV to try soon, i hope i'll like it but i'm not optimistic.

[Roy Hersh]

The Dow's 2008 LBV is very good; not quite great. But I'd drink it any day and it is my favorite LBV of Dow since 2005. If you don't enjoy it, it would be the style of this particular producer's LBV, not the quality at issue.

[Scheiny S]

thanks! that's good to know!

[Andy Velebil]

The Dow's 2008 LBV is very good; not quite great. But I'd drink it any day and it is my favorite LBV of Dow since 2005. If you don't enjoy it, it would be the style of this particular producer's LBV, not the quality at issue.

So I just saw this after I tasted and posted a TN on this LBV. One of the few times you and I are far apart on a Port. Check out the Virtual Tasting Forum.