DOW'S VINTAGE PORT
DOURO, PORTUGAL 1994-2017
Why Buy: These vintage ports are the rarest of the rare – profound, soil-distinctive wines of unrivaled pedigree, phenomenally concentrated and intense, yet wonderfully elegant, too. Crafted with consummate skill, these four ports (including a 99-pointer and a 98-pointer) never descend into the cloying or over-rich, but instead show off their beautiful structure and extraordinary intensity, the result, in part, of Dow's insistence on longer-than-the-norm fermentation times. A stunning showcase of Douro Valley's grand terroir.
What They're Saying: James Suckling lauded the 99-point Vintage Port 2000 as a "superb" and "very velvety" wine, and he was nearly as enamored of the 2017 Vintage Port: "powerful and muscular," he wrote, in a 98-point rave, "yet [it] remains agile and beautiful." Reviewing the 1994 Vintage Port, Wine Spectator was captivated by its presence, calling it a "blackstrap, powerful port," "intense" and with "a long, rich finish."
Our Tasting Notes: The 2017 and 2000 are modern icons, capturing the house's relentless pursuit of excellence in the contemporary era. The 2000, in particular – with its brooding, soulful profile – has already achieved legendary status for its breathtaking depth and complexity. The 2017 is massively concentrated yet ethereal, its velvety palate serving up a wealth of savory, mineral nuances. The 1994 is a revered classic, a benchmark vintage that exemplifies Dow's ability to create wines of profound elegance and age-worthiness. Decades on, it continues to captivate with its seamless integration of power and finesse. In the 2013 Quinta do Bomfim, a single-quinta vintage, we are given a rare – and delicious – glimpse into Dow's outstanding vineyard holdings.
The Story: In the annals of vintage port, few names command the kind of reverence that Dow's does. This historic house has flourished for over two centuries, its longevity a testament to an unwavering commitment to quality and a profound respect for tradition. While many English merchants planted roots in Portugal, it was the intrepid Bruno da Silva who journeyed in the opposite direction, leaving his Portuguese homeland to make his mark in England. A partnership with another businessman, Frederick Cosens, followed eventually by a third partner, the esteemed Dow & Co. in the early 19th century, brought the company to the pinnacle of the port trade. Little has changed since. The house's vineyards, many tracing their ungrafted origins to pre-Phylloxera vines, are immaculately-tended, time-hallowed plots. Each vintage is crafted with extraordinary artisanship, from the hand-harvested, hand-sorted grapes to the gentle, centuries-old "treading" technique, employed to extract every ounce of flavor and intensity.
What to Pair Them With: Vintage port calls for life's most indulgent morsels: artisanal charcuterie and full-flavored cheeses, rich pâtés, and robust preparations of venison or quail. Or you can enjoy these wines entirely on their own, and in quiet contemplation.
Fun Fact: Vintage port, made only when a vintage proves exceptional, makes up less than two percent of all ports produced.
Our Guarantee: As always, we've secured these vintage treasures directly from Dow's cellars, ensuring flawless provenance. But given their rarity, quantities are extremely limited, so don't delay in placing your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024.
