TN: 1983 Dow Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Decant: 1½ hours - Deeper in colour than the Warre '85 shown alongside. Either less development in the bottle or more extraction to start with. Red centre in the glass, almost transparent, with a pale rose coloured rim. The nose is delicate and floral, with violets and menthol overlaying a touch of raspberry juice. The first impression in the mouth is of a sweet wine with the lovely thinck texture of redcurrant syrup. Tannins are distinct, not gripping but slightly bitter. The midpalate develops a thicker texture and a more crème caramel complexity around the fruit core. Lovely midpalate. The aftertaste has a dry start and is tannic and sweet. It has a reasonable fruit-dominated length, but does not last very long - although the stickiness does! 91 points