Dows Vintage Port 1997 750mL

The last to be bottled in the 20th century, the 1997 is a classic Dow’s Vintage Port. A typically spicy nose with aromas of blackberries, currants, and cocoa. Fantastic balance and structure on the palate with lovely black fruit flavours. Very enjoyable now, but still has lots of potential for further ageing.

The winter of 1997 was brief albeit short. The lodge at Quinta do Bomfim is only at 100 metres altitude, alongside the banks of the Douro, nevertheless it was completely covered in snow for a few days in January. The weather changed dramatically in February, when daily temperatures were 4 degrees centigrade above average, and no rain fell at Bomfim until March, leading to bud burst some two weeks earlier than usual. Wet weather returned in April and May and temperatures cooled down through to August, allowing for a well balanced maturation. High temperatures throughout the end of August and September brought about an excellent final ripening period. During this time the difference between day time and night time temperatures was higher than usual creating optimum conditions for colour synthesis in the grapes. Picking started at Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira on the 18th September some two weeks after the heavy rainstorms of the end of August. At Bomfim we started picking on 22nd September and ended on 3rd October. Conditions for picking at both Quintas were ideal, cool and dry. Sugar readings averaged an excellent 13º Baumé. 

Tasting Notes:

The Dow’s 1997 Vintage is an outstanding wine, made slightly drier in the classic Dow tradition, which due to its superb structure will evolve into a classic vintage  port. Very dark opaque purple colour, with a typically spicy nose and intense underlying aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants. On the palate enormous weight and structure with a marvellous balance of dense black fruit flavours wrapped in a tannic cloak. 

95 Points - James Suckling, Wine Spectator, February 29th 2000,“Super. I love the nose of this young Port, which shows raisin, spice and a little stemminess. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with loads of ripe tannins and a long, long finish. Really racy and exciting. Even better than when tasted from barrel.” 

Wine Spectators 2000 TOP 100 - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, December 31st 2000 

Gold Medal - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2007