1996 Dow's Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port

Written by Roy Hersh

Monday, 23 June 2008

1996 Dow's Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port - At Vintages on the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship, I asked the manager to find a bottle and he personally went up six floors to get a bottle for us. Decanted beautifully, we drank this bottle over three evenings. It started off as a light weight and gained a few pounds by the next day but even by day 3, it was never more than a middle weight contender. Blue/black berry and spirity on the nose early on, the spirit lessened but never disappeared. It was an enjoyable drink and the only VP on the ship, so any Port in a storm. Soft and showing a bit of heat on the palate as well, both in the middle and the finish, the '96 had a plum and blueberry flavor profile that was straightforward and simple. Good acidity but almost fully resolved tannins.  The aftertaste was like sipping a glass of liquid Raisinettes. At 12 years of age, I am not sure whether or not the spirit will integrate from here. It would certainly make for a more pleasurable experience if/when it does.  Drink 2010-2018. 87 points  6-20-08