TN: 1970 Dow Vintage Port

[Al B.]

Decant: Not Known - Single glass of wine was poured from a fairly full bottle stored under VacuVin. In the glass it was still a rich, deep ruby colour with only the faintest hint of brown at the edge - or was I imagining that? On the nose was the smell of fresh crushed strawberries and peas picked fresh in the rain. A little alcohol came through on the nose, but only if you concentrated and looked for it. In the mouth was a smooth attack. Very sweet and chocolately, with massive flavours of Christmas cake,spices and raisins soaked in orange juice. The tannins were soft and only became apparent as a peppery kick as the aftertaste dawdled to its conclusion. I timed the length of the aftertaste on my second sip - my lips were still feeling the pepper 50 seconds after I swallowed. While this wine was beatifully integrated and has many years of life left ahead of it, I was slightly disappointed and can't really say why. It may be as simple as the fact that this wine was much sweeter than I was expecting from a Dow, it may have been that the nose was not as well developed as I would have expected. But the wine was good and I would welcome the chance to drink it again. 91 points