For The Love Of Port

A few weeks ago opened a 1994 Fonseca without giving it an adequate amount of time to breath. It was a massive wine showing great potential, and although it was nowhere near ready it was still enjoyable to drink. This Dow 1994 was a very different story.

Opened and decanted with about 8 hours of air time, this is much more accessable than the Fonseca. It seems to be fleshing out over time and it has a much sweeter, softer profile than the Fonseca. Soft deep fruit flavors, tar, licorice and a really fine finish are how I would describe this wine. Soft tannins, rich body, great fruit and a complex finish. Very nice for a 94!

I had this wine today too and felt more decant time was required. It must be in the air. If invited back I will wrest control away when it comes to decanting times. It makes such a difference whether drinking the bottle all by itself with friends or an entire lineup of bottles with people you've never met before. Decanting is an important key to overall Port enjoyment. Only storage conditions trump decanting in the critical nature department.