1994 Vintage Port Dow’s 75cl

1994 Vintage Porto Dow’s 75cl

Wine Spectator: 97/100
Robert Parker: 97/100

1994 Vintage Port Dow’s 75cl

Wine Spectator: 97/100
Robert Parker: 97/100

YEAR AND HARVEST OVERVIEW: After several exceptionally dry years, the very wet winter of 1993/94 was greeted with great relief, replenishing much needed ground water reserves that were to prove invaluable through the very hot summer. Flowering in May was affected by cool, damp conditions resulting in some reduction of the size of the crop. July was exceptionally dry, and August was particularly hot but some timely rain at Quinta do Bomfim on the 10th and 11th was ideal for advancing the maturations. Fortunately, September was cooler and some further refreshing rain at Bomfim on the 13th and 14th proved crucial to the grapes’ final phase of ripening. The vintage started at Bomfim on September 16th and the grapes were picked under perfect conditions, with cool nights followed by hot days. Grapes going into the winery displayed remarkably even quality throughout. The musts showed excellent deep colour and beautiful floral aromas.

TASTING NOTE: Amazing near opaque crimson centre, belying its 27 years of age. Very fresh, focused fruit on the nose with distinctive aromas of blackcurrant and some liquorice notes. On the palate, the wine is very seductive, muscular, and taut with Dow’s typical peppery tannins, well integrated in the fruit and underpinning the incredible structure. Bright acidity shines through the wine, assuring its balance and further longevity. Irresistible to drink now but with another two or three decades of life ahead of it. Symington tasting room, September 2021