2006 Dow’s Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port (Cask Sample)

Written by Roy Hersh

Monday, 03 November 2008

2006 Dow’s Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port (Cask Sample) – Purple and opaque, early on this provides a powerful punch to the nose with violets, an exotic scent of rose petals and bright blueberry that filled up the room from the decanter. Gorgeous! My daughter whiffed the decanter and liked it more than most, giving her own list of descriptors. Hot the first day and it stood out as the weakest link, with some residual heat the second day right from the decanter. It lessened the longer it remained in the glass and has fleshed out nicely to a full-medium weight in the decanter. This ripe and juicy Senhora da Ribeira exhibits primary grenadine flavor. This 2006 is obviously showing its extraordinary youth, an off-dry style and structurally, chalky tannins which fortunately lack astringency. There’s just enough acidity to ensure this baby remains on stable footing and the wild berry finish lingers, but its relatively simple. Drink 2022-2028. If it has not gained more complexity by then, pour it over Sunday pancakes and I’m sure it will be delicious. All joking aside, this is a solid infant that should be watched and a perfect addition to the cellar, especially for those looking to expand their potential holding for anniversary celebrations and birth year Ports. 90 points ~ 10/30/08