Vintageport.se

Est. 2011

Dow's

Dow's Silva e Cosens Lda

Founded 1798
Owner Symington family
Vineyards Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, Quinta do Sol, Quinta Cerdeira, Quinta Santinho
Vintage Port Brands Dow's, Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira
Web-site www.dows-port.com

In 1798 a Portuguese merchant called Bruno da Silva arrived in London to see what business he might be able to open up with his native city of Oporto, and so started the wine-importing concern which fifty years later became Silva & Cosens when Mr Bruno's son John Silva joined partnership with William Cosens, also of London. In the early part of the 19th century when England and France were continually at war, Bruno da Silva applied for ‘letters of Marque’, equipped a privateer carrying nine guns, and carried safely many consignments of wines from Oporto to Bristol and London.

In 1868 George A. Warre, from one of the most established British families in Oporto, became a partner and was subsequently joined by James Ramsay Dow in 1877, when the firm of Dow & Co. was merged with Silva & Cosens (the firm of Messrs. Dow & Co was first known in the early part of the eighteenth century as Samuel Weaver and later Weaver & Dow). The name Dow's came in to existence in 1877 when James Dow became a partner in the company Rodrick Dow became a partner in 1893 by which time Silva & Cosens had become one of the largest Port wine shipping houses in Oporto. Messrs. Dow & Co. had long enjoyed a good reputation for the shipment of quality wines, in particular Vintage Port, and so it was about this time that the decision was taken to make Dow the House Brand of the company.

During this period the company started a rapid expansion programme under the dynamic management of the combined firms. This resulted in the planting of the vineyards and the building of the adega at Quinta do Bomfim situated in the heart of the Upper Douro. A. J. Symington was admitted into the partnership in 1912 and was later followed by his three sons who managed the business through the two world wars. They were then joined by their own sons and today the company is managed by the fourth generation of the Symington family.

During the 1960s and 1970s Silva & Cosens continued to be at the forefront of modern progress by being one of the first shippers to install modern autovinification fermenting tanks in their wine making centre at Quinta do Bomfim.

Today Silva & Cosens forms part of the Symington group. The single biggest part being shipped under the Dow's name In 1998, the Bicentenary of the founding of the company, a new milestone was reached with the re-acquisition of Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. This outstanding property was originally acquired by Dow's in 1890, but was sold in 1954 when the Port trade was at its lowest point and when many Port companies either closed down or were sold.

Dow's wines are made in a drier style which is not to everyone's taste, but have magnificent ageing potential and they do need to be aged in order to appreciate their real potential.

Quinta de Bomfim
The 'jewel in the crown' is the Quinta do Bomfim vineyard (meaning ‘good end’) was purchased in 1896 by George Warre at a time when he thought that a shipper should take a closer interest in the production of Port, a move that was somewhat unconventional at the time. A single quinta wine was launched in 1988 with the 1978 vintage. Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port is only produced in ‘un-declared’ years, as in Vintage years the wine from this quinta goes to produce the core of Dow’s vintage port. However, during the 1960s and the 1970s Dow had special delivery to Fredrikbergs Vinimport in Denmark of Quinta do Bomfim and thus in Denmark both Quinta do Bomfim and Dow existed from the same vintage in at least following vintages: 1966, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977 and 1980.

Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira
This quinta takes its name from the little chapel between the quinta house and the river, and was originally acquired by Dow's in 1890. By the end of the nineteenth century it was one of a trio of top-quality wine Estates. Dow's was a substantial owner of Douro vineyards long before most Port shippers were involved in viticulture or winemaking. The Quinta was sold in 1954, when the Port trade was at its lowest point – a time when many Port companies were either closed down or sold. But the link was not entirely lost because the Ribeira grapes were bought and vinified by Dow's, continuing to play a fundamental part in its Vintage Ports for most of the century. To the family's great delight, the opportunity to buy back Senhora da Ribeira arose in 1998, Dow's Bicentennial year.

Quinta do Sol
This new state of the art winery was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture, Sr. Eng. Fernando Gomes da Silva on 15th September 1997. The design of the winery was conceived by Peter Symington, his son Charles and António Serôdio.

Dow's Vintages:1829, 1830, 1840, 1842, 1846, 1847, 1850, 1851, 1854, 1858, 1860, 1861, 1863, 1865, 1867, 1868, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1875, 1878, 1881, 1884, 1887, 1890, 1892, 1893*, 1896, 1899, 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1916, 1917, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1924, 1927, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949*, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1957*, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971*, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2017
Quinta do Bomfim Vintages:1948, 1952, 1954, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintages:1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Silva & Cosens Vintages:1887*, 1890*, 1896*, 1899*, 1901*, 1902*, 1915, 1947

Vintage Port tasting notes:

HouseDowVintage1890
ColourYellow, mature with a hint of greenness in the edge.Number of tastings1
BouquetSpiciness, herbs, ginger and some old grocery shop in the nose.Score range17.40 - 17.40
TasteStill a lovely body. Mature and peaking with some old, quite round and lovely acidity. Balanced and rather tasty with a quite elegant, quite dry but not so long finish. A decent, lovely old port, still alive and enjoyable.Average score
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.40
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1904
ColourMature tawny in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetLovely generous camphor and pharmacy nose.Score range16.90 - 16.90
TasteMedium body. Very tasty but of course old. However, still drinkable and knit together. Dry, complex and never ending finish. Astonishing old port.Average score
Last tasted11th January 1996Point this date16.90
CommentAt the Wine Society 18% tasting in Malmö.
TastersSAI
HouseDowVintage1912
ColourMature tawny in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetWonderful chocolate and cacao in the nose.Score range18.75 - 18.75
TasteSurprisingly sweet but with a sign of age and with some alcohol and acidity. Old lovely attractive finish. I just loved that port!Average score
Last tasted27th January 1983Point this date18.75
CommentAt the Danish Port Wine Club est. 1981 tasting in Copenhagen, Denmark.
This port was bottled in 1915.
TastersSAI
HouseDowVintage1920
ColourYellow and mature in colourNumber of tastings1
BouquetMint, thyme, herd´s grass and other herbs and some spiciness in the nose.Score range16.90 - 16.90
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking with some quite agreeable old acidity. Still balanced and tasty with a rather attractive and elegant finish. Still a lovely port indeed.Average score
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.90
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1927
ColourBeautiful, yellow and mature port in colourNumber of tastings1
BouquetCream candy, chocolate, cacao, roasted coffee, some herbs, spiciness and a lot of other wonderful things in the nose.Score range18.25 - 18.25
TasteFull-bodied. Mature and peaking. Completely balanced and dry with lots of different tastes which are just rolling in the mouth and retuned again and again. Elegant and very complex finish which never seem to end. What a wonderful port indeed.Average score
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date18.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1929
ColourYellow, mature and quite bright in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetLeather, herbs, some burned sugar and butterscotch in the nose.Score range16.40 - 16.40
TasteMedium body. Mature and mature with some decent, old and attractive acidity. Still balanced and quite tasty with a quite elegant and rather long finish. A lovely old port, which still is inviting and enjoyable.Average score
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.40
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1934
ColourMature and yellow, quite beautiful in colour.Number of tastings2
BouquetDark chocolate, cacao, nutty, herbs, old grocery shop and lots of other things in the nose.Score range17.25 - 18.25
TasteLovely body. Mature and peaking. Delicious taste of roasted nuts, cacao, chocolate, herbs, old grocery shop and lots of other things. Maybe some sweetness with a long, rolling, attractive and very elegant finish which never seem to end. Wonderful and lovely old port.Average score17.75
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date18.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, SS
HouseDowVintage1945
ColourMature yellow but quite bright in colour.Number of tastings4
BouquetLovely, complex bouquet with Christmas raisin, leather, marzipan, herbs, liquorice and lots of other things in the nose.Score range16.75 - 18.75
TasteFull-bodied. Liquorice, Christmas raisin, herbs marzipan and much more, in flavour. Surprisingly sweet for Dow. Complex, balanced with a marvellous finish. A great port indeed.Average score17.69
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1946
ColourMature tawny in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetAlcoholic and ether in the nose.Score range15.25 - 15.25
TasteMedium body. Very dry. Tasty but a bit alcoholic and unbalanced finish. This vintage has passed its best but exciting to have found and drunk it.Average score
Last tasted23rd December 2007Point this date15.25
CommentAt home with the family.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1947
ColourBeautiful, mature and yellow in colour.Number of tastings3
BouquetVery complex and generous bouquet of fudge, candy, cacao, dark chocolate, toffee, crème caramel and some herbs in the nose.Score range17.50 - 18.25
TasteFull-bodied. Delicious, mature and still at its peak. Toffee, candy, cacao, dark chocolate, crème caramel and much more in flavours. Very complex, balanced and generous port with a heavenly finish which never seems to end. What a lovely and attractive port! Just drink it and love it!Average score17.75
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date18.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2013 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1950
ColourMature tawny in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetGlorious bouquet, mostly pharmacy and liquorice in the nose.Score range15.75 - 15.75
TasteMedium body. Mature and maybe old but a delicious port with dry exciting finish.Average score
Last tasted24th December 2007Point this date15.75
CommentAt home with the family.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1952
ColourMature very yellow and mature but quite beautiful in colour.Number of tastings2
BouquetLovely crème caramel, butterscotch and burned sugar in the nose.Score range15.25 - 16.75
TasteVery light body. Mature and a little old in taste but still very easy to drink and enjoy. Elegant and quite complex. An old port still agreeable with a lovely but maybe a little short finish. This port has passed its best but is still a quite lovely portAverage score16.00
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.75
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1954
ColourBeautiful mature amber in colour.Number of tastings2
BouquetComplex and lovely bouquet. Toffee, cream candy, crème caramel, coffee and cacao in the nose.Score range15.50 - 17.00
TasteMedium body. Mature and at its peak. Complex and balanced port but astonishing sweet. Very tasty with crème caramel, cacao and much more in the mouth with a delicious and very attractive finish. Lovely port indeed!Average score16.25
Last tasted23rd July 2016Point this date17.00
CommentAt home with the family
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1955
ColourBeautiful yellow and mature in colour.Number of tastings4
BouquetRich complex toffee, crème caramel, cream candy, Christmas raisin, vanilla, some herbs, liquorice and old grocery shop in the nose.Score range17.40 - 18.50
TasteFull-bodied, complex, dry and delicious. Mature and peaking but balanced with some old and very elegant acidity. Toffee, vanilla crème caramel, cream candy, Christmas raisin, vanilla, some herbs, liquorice and much, much more in taste. An attractive and wonderful finish which never seem to end. Will not be better but what a port!Average score17.95
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.90
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2017 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1958
ColourVery mature and yellow, quite beautiful in colour.Number of tastings3
BouquetToffee, butterscotch, crème caramel, some honey, mint, herbs and old grocery shop in the nose.Score range16.25 - 16.90
TasteLovely body. Mature and peaking. Quite dry and maybe a little “tired” but very easy to drink and enjoyable. Elegant and quite complex with a quite long and lovely finish.Average score16.58
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.90
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
1 bottle has been defect.

In 2016 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1960
ColourVery beautiful, yellow and mature in colour.Number of tastings8
BouquetCoffee, cacao, chocolate, lots of different herbs and old grocery shop in the nose. Superb bouquet.Score range16.25 - 17.75
TasteQuite full-bodied. Mature and at its peak. Superb balance and lots of different and lovely things in taste. Dry with a long silky, very attractive and complex finish. What a wonderful port.Average score16.63
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.75
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
Two bottles have been defect.

In 2007 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1962
ColourMature tawny in colour.Number of tastings1
BouquetAlcoholic and ether in the nose. Is not harmonious at all.Score range15.40 - 15.40
TasteMedium body. Mature. Alcoholic and dry. The finish is quite good but this is a too old but rather nice port.Average score
Last tasted15th September 2005Point this date15.40
CommentAt the Wine Society 18% tasting in Malmö.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1963
ColourYellow mature very beautiful in colour.Number of tastings27
BouquetComplex nose of roses, candy, toffee, ginger, cacao, chocolate, roasted coffee, some spiciness and much more in the nose.Score range16.50 - 17.90
TasteFull-bodied with almond paste, candy, cream candy, cacao coffee, chocolate ginger and lots of other things in flavour. Mature and peaking. Elegant and balanced port with a long, complex and very attractive finish which never seem to end. Port is a lovely drink! Just let us continue to drink the 1963s!Average score17.13
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.75
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2005 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2013 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1964
ColourYellow and mature, almost tawny in colour.Number of tastings4
BouquetChristmas raisin, ginger some spiciness and herbs in the nose.Score range16.25 - 16.90
TasteHardly medium body. Mature and at its peak. Balanced and with a lovely taste. The finish is elegant and rather attractive but a bit short.Average score16.60
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.50
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1966
ColourQuite mature and yellow in colour.Number of tastings10
BouquetToffee, fudge, cacao, chocolate, candy, some herbs and old grocery shop in the nose.Score range17.25 - 18.00
TasteLovely body. Mature and peaking and will not be better. Burned sugar and toffee in flavour. Dry. Complex and generous with a wonderful finish. Lovely port.Average score17.68
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.50
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
1 bottle has been defect.

In 2006 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1970
ColourYellow mature and very beautiful in colour.Number of tastings28
BouquetLovely complex nose of mature figs, prune, dried fruit, boysenberry, cacao, dark chocolate, some herbs and much more in the nose.Score range16.00 - 17.40
TasteFull-bodied. Mature and on top. Elegant. Quite dry. Figs, prune, dried fruit, cacao, dark chocolate, some herbs and much more in taste. Balanced and very complex with lovely dry, long and quite intensive finish.Average score16.69
Last tasted28th November 2023Point this date17.00
CommentTasted at home in 15th International Online Vintage Tasting with our German Port Friends from World of Port.

In 2008 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1972
ColourStill medium ruby with yellow and mature edge in colour.Number of tastings16
BouquetOld grocery shop, toffee, gingerbread, menthol, nuts, liquorice, roasted coffee, fudge, some herbs and cacao in the nose. Quite generous.Score range16.25 - 16.75
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking. Very dry but elegant and an attractive flavour of fudge and toffee. Lovely and attractive long finish. Very enjoyable port indeed.Average score16.43
Last tasted29th December 2023Point this date16.75
CommentTasted with the family.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1975
ColourYellow and mature in colour.Number of tastings16
BouquetBoysenberry, cacao, dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, cream candy, toffee and old grocery shop in the nose.Score range15.25 - 16.50
TasteMedium body. Mature and peaking and absolute on top. Toffee, cacao, dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans in taste. Quite complex and rather elegant with still an attractive finish. Will not be better so drink it now. Will probably lost its finesse in the futureAverage score15.98
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.00
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
1 bottle has been defect.

In 2006 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1977
ColourMature, yellow in colour.Number of tastings27
BouquetCacao, coffee beans, toffee, chocolate, vanilla, cream candy, marzipan and old grocery shop in the noseScore range15.75 - 17.25
TasteAlmost full-bodied. Mature and peaking. Will probably not be much better. Toffee, some spiciness, cacao, chocolate and vanilla in flavour. Quite dry but complex and balanced port. The finish is long, elegant and quite attractive. Just drink it and love this port!Average score16.51
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
1 bottle has been defect.

In 2010 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1980
ColourStill very dark but with a yellow edge. Astonishing colour.Number of tastings25
BouquetSeductive bouquet of cream candy, maybe still some mulberry, ginger, cacao cinnamon, toffee, fudge, herbs and spiciness.Score range15.50 - 17.00
TasteFull-bodied. Complex but still some very soft tannin. Dry. Spiciness and toffee but of course lots of other things also in flavour. Balanced but very elegant and powerful. Still some way left to go. A keeper and will perhaps be better. Easy to drink and enjoy with a lovely, long and delicate finish. An astonishing port indeed!Average score16.36
Last tasted28th November 2023Point this date16.90
CommentTasted at home in 15th International Online Vintage Tasting with our German Port Friends from World of Port.

In 2014 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1983
ColourYellow mature in colour.Number of tastings16
BouquetElegant bouquet of cacao, toffee fudge, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger in the nose but also with a hint of volatile acidity.Score range14.75 - 16.40
TasteAlmost full-bodied. Mature and peaking but this time also as usual some volatile acidity. Quite dry, but elegant and still drinkable with a quite long finish with some volatile acidity.Average score15.63
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date14.75
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
One Magnum and 6 more bottles have been completely defect (Sic).

In 2017 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1985
ColourBeautiful, mature and yellow in colour.Number of tastings18
BouquetLovely bouquet of nuts, burned candy, fudge, cacao, roasted coffee, old grocery shop but also cinnamon, ginger and toffee in the nose.Score range15.75 - 16.75
TasteAlmost full-bodied. Butterscotch, burned candy, old grocery shop, nuts and lots of other things in flavour. Quite complex and elegant. Almost mature and peaking. Very dry. Balance with a very attractive, long and lovely finish.Average score16.26
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.75
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.
1 bottle has been defect.

In 2020 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1991
ColourStill quite dark but yellow mature in colour.Number of tastings12
BouquetLovely bouquet with herbs, spiciness, cream candy, toffee, almond, cacao, coffee, liquorice, vanilla and old grocery shop in the nose.Score range15.00 - 17.25
TasteFull- bodied. Mature and peaking. Perfect balance, very complex and intensive port with burned candy, toffee, almond, herbs, some spiciness cacao, coffee and the whole grocery shop in taste. The finish is very long, very elegant and lovely. Just drink it and go to heaven.Average score15.84
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date17.25
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1994
ColourVery dark ruby with a garnet edge in colour.Number of tastings14
BouquetCacao, cream candy and old grocery shop as well as toffee, dark chocolate, crème caramel, liquorice, ginger and some mint in the nose.Score range16.00 - 17.75
TasteFull- bodied. Quite mature and peaking but still maybe with some soft and elegant tannins. Will probably improve a little. Medium dry with a long, quite attractive and complex finish. A lovely port indeed. Just drink it and be very happy!Average score16.83
Last tasted18th May 2024Point this date17.75
CommentTasted at the Wine Society 18% Great Tasting in Malmö.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
In 2024 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage1997
ColourStill very dark with just a hint of a yellow mature edge in colour.Number of tastings6
BouquetCacao, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and some spiciness in the nose.Score range15.75 - 16.50
TasteLovely body. Quite mature but still with some round and quite elegant tannins. Grocery shop and spiciness in flavour. Dry. Balance and quite complex. A long, quite elegant, attractive and lovely finish.Average score16.19
Last tasted5th November 2023Point this date16.50
CommentTasted at a Great Tasting with the Wine Society 18% in Malmö, Sweden.

In 2023 this vintage took part in a Great Tasting in the Wine Society 18%. For points and ranking see Great Tastings.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2000
ColourDark but with a mature yellow edge in colour.Number of tastings7
BouquetCinnamon, ginger, spiciness, some herbs, liquorice, some butterscotch and dark chocolate in the nose.Score range16.25 - 16.75
TasteFull-bodied. Rather mature but still with some very soft and very attractive tannins and will be better. Dry but balanced and complex. Ginger, liquorice spiciness and much more in flavour. A quite long, attractive and very promising finish. Lovely to drink already today but what will be?.Average score16.50
Last tasted19th September 2024Point this date16.25
CommentTasted at the Wine Society 18% tasting in Malmö.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2003
ColourStill dark but with a mature, yellow edge in colour.Number of tastings4
BouquetToffee, cream candy, chocolate, cacao, crème caramel, liquorice and much more in the nose.Score range16.00 - 16.50
TasteFull-bodied. Rather mature with lovely tannins and a good backbone. Quite dry but with some nice acidity. Balanced and very tasty and easy to drink and enjoy with a long, very attractive and quite complex finish.Average score16.25
Last tasted25th April 2023Point this date16.50
CommentTasted at home in 12th International Online Vintage Tasting with our German Port Friends from World of Port.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2007
ColourStill almost black in colour.Number of tastings3
BouquetLoaded with fruit, dark berries such as mulberry, dark cherry and blackberry, liquorice and lots of other things such as cacao, dark chocolate and toffee in the nose.Score range17.25 - 18.25
TasteFull-bodied. Enormous fruitiness and loaded with tannins. Immature but balanced with lots of dark berries such as mulberry, dark cherry and blackberry as well as liquorice in flavour. Quite dry. Impressive with a long and very promising finish which is marvellous. What a port!Average score17.75
Last tasted1st November 2021Point this date18.25
CommentTasted at the Port Wine Festival in Copenhagen.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2011
ColourStill quite black in colour.Number of tastings2
BouquetStill loaded with dark berries such as mulberries, blackberries, dark cherries, but also cacao, dark chocolate and much more in the nose.Score range18.50 - 18.50
TasteFull-bodied. Massive and muscular port loaded with tannins and dark berries, fruit, cacao, dark chocolate and much more in taste. Balanced and dry with a very long and marvellous finish which never will end. What a Port!Average score
Last tasted1st November 2021Point this date18.50
CommentTasted at the Port Wine Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark.
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2016
ColourViolet dark ruby in colour.Number of tastings3
BouquetLovely bouquet of mint, dark cherry, dark fruit, cinnamon and some other spiciness and cacao with dark chocolate in the nose.
TasteFull-bodied. Loaded with tannins of course but balanced and delicate. Lovely taste of dark berry, dark fruit, spiciness and cacao and with a complex, seductive, tannic and wonderful finish.
Last tasted30th November 2018Rating this dateVery Impressive
CommentAt the Port Wine Festival in Leverkusen, Germany.

Port so young we evaluate only as : Good – Very good- Impressive – Very Impressive
TastersSAI, JB, SS
HouseDowVintage2017
ColourVery dark almost black in colour.Number of tastings2
BouquetDark berry such as mulberry, black berry and blue berries but also mature dark fruit, liquorice and spring flowers as well as roses in the nose.
TasteFull-bodies. Loaded with tannins of course but balanced and delicate with a lovely backbone. Lots of dark berries and mature fruit in taste but also roses and some spiciness. The finish is seductive and wonderful, on the dry side with just a hint of sweetness. Will be exciting to follow.
Last tasted29th November 2019Rating this dateVery Impressive
CommentTasted at the Port Wine Festival in Leverkusen, Germany.

Port so young we evaluate only as : Good – Very good- Impressive – Very Impressive
TastersSAI, JB, SS

Last tasted:

21st September
Pocas Jr 2001
19th September
Cockburn 1983
Delaforce 1992
Dow 2000
Fonseca 1994
Graham 2003
Quinta do Cachao
Messias 1983
Quinta do Pego 2000
Quinta do Vale Meao 2003
Rozes 1994
Taylor 1992

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