1998 Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port

[Kurt Wieneke]

In the decanter, there is a distinct nose of blueberries. About 6 hours later, I detected a hint of sassafras. Mayson has some very good things to say about this port, in terms of record low yields in 1998 and that Senhora was picked before the rain. Nasal impressions of cherry preserves, cinnamon stick, sweet tobacco, licorice, and whitewashed granite. Very sweet on the palate, but I suppose this comes with the territory of small concentrated berries of high ripeness. This port has the viscosity of 30 weight motor oil and is rich and concentrated, yet balanced. Fine tannins provide plenty of grip on the finish. 92+ pts

[Andy Velebil]

Kurt,
Thanks for a well done TN I've not had this particular SQVP yet so it was great to get your impression of it.

From your description would you say this has very good aging potential or more mid-term ability?

[Roy Hersh]

Kurt,

Thanks for your note. I had this wine four years ago as part of a mini 1998 Horizontal tasting and here was my note at the time:

1998 Dow Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintage Port -
My first taste of Senhora's fruit which comes across with a very dark inky purple tone. This property was first acquired by Dow?s in 1890 and along with Quinta do Bomfim, makes up the backbone of the Dow VPs. Senhora da Ribeira is located in the most Eastern section of the Douro Superior (across from Vesuvio), which is close to the Spanish border and receives very little rainfall and intense heat in the summer. The vines get stressed and the Ports reflect their terroir. Smoky and fresh floral notes with rich raspberry and dense strawberry flavors that are almost jammy, with chewy tannins and an intensity that I enjoyed. This would be a nice addition to the cellar. 92 points (2005-10-26)

[Kurt Wieneke]

Andy,
It's drinking pretty well now at 10 years out, and hasn't lost a beat after 3 nights on the counter. This is such a dense, fruity monster and the balance is so good that I think it can go 20 more years, no problem.

[Andy Velebil]

Thanks, thats good to hear. I will definitely have to seek one out to try in the near future.

[Kurt Wieneke]

I'll have to retract my earlier statement about this being a long ager. It started to fall apart after 4 nights. I think it does not have enough structural acidity to carry it the long haul. But it sure will make wonderful early bones.

[Roy Hersh]

Kurt,

Interesting observation. I rarely have VP around that long so I don't usually see this occur. But that is just me and I typically don't go past a 3rd full day, even with my cask samples. Maybe I should.

When you say it fell apart after 4 nights ... would you please share your decanting regimen and how the Port was kept/handled once opened through the end of the 4th night? I think it would be fascinating to hear about this. Thank you in advance!

[Kurt Wieneke]

Well, it's pretty archaic Roy. . but since you asked, I just keep the opened bottle in a fairly cool place each night with a vacuvin cork in it. I don't use the vacuvin sucker thing. I just have a glass of port for 5-6 nights in a row and observe what goes on. I'll admit it's not very scientific.