Vintage Port 2017

94-96 points, “It seems wonderfully fresh and lifted all the while.” – Wine Advocate

Dow’s is renowned for its powerhouse style. But in 2017, a higher proportion of Touriga Nacional in the blend has created a wonderfully elegant Port. According to Head Winemaker Charles Symington: “This is one of the finest Dow’s Vintage Ports I have blended… In my opinion it has the potential to rank alongside the Dow’s all-time greats.” And we wholeheartedly agree. Concentrated without being jammy, it’s flecked with notes of rose, blackberry and black cherry. Somewhat surprising for Dow’s, the 2017 Vintage Port is remarkably approachable now, but it will get even better with additional time in the bottle.

The yields in 2017 for Port were very low, but the quality of the wine was immensely high. According to Wine Advocate they offer “old-school power, concentration, freshness, lifted fruit and vivid flavours. The only vintage in the last decade that competes with it is 2011.” This is high praise, considering that 2011 is the highest rated year ever for Vintage Port according to Wine Advocate. It’s that freshness that makes this such a great vintage and explains why so much of it was snapped up immediately during a hard-fought En Primeur campaign. Demand for these cases will be immense, so don’t expect them to hang around for long.

The Symington family – who own Dow’s – compare the 2017 vintage to 1945, widely considered to be one of the greatest vintages the region has ever seen. And they should know what they are talking about because, not only are they the world’s leading producer of premium Port, but they are also the biggest vineyard owner in the Douro Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of jaw-dropping beauty.