Vintage Port is the outstanding wine of an outstanding year. Perhaps on average only three times in a decade is the weather suitable for the declaration of a Vintage year and only a small handful of vineyards in the Alto Douro produce wines of the potential to become Vintage Port.

The wine is aged for two to two and a half years in wood before being bottled, unfiltered. The pride of every shipper, Vintage Port can be purchased at once and allowed, over many years, to mature and develop a unique character, completely different from all wood-aged Port.

Dow’s is perhaps best known for its Vintages, which command high prices at auction, reflecting their excellence.

Rating

Very grapey, with lots of black licorice and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, exquisite finish. Refined and well-made. Best after 2012. 9,000 cases made. (JS) Robert Parker 94 points