1991 Dow's Vintage Port

[John Trombley]

Bottled 1993; 20 pabv; $37.50/750 ml on release, Cost Plus Wine Warehouse, Detroit, MI. Imported by Premium Port Wines, Inc., Sausalito, CA 94965. Double-decanted and tasted after 24 hours open.

Reasonably intact cork; heavy dark crusting. Full tears; beautiful transparent ruby color.

Baked sour cherry, pipe tobacco, almond oil, with overtones of cocoa and spearmint; somewhat deeper and more complex and more vibrant than most vintages from this producer that I've tasted.

Sweet for type; delightfully juicy and smooth on entry, with some pepper and milk chocolate notes, with good grip; and just enough heat to let you know what you're drinking. A small amount of gentle, ripe tannins; good length. Fine example of Dow and this wonderful vintage. Not a monster, with more finesse and sweetness than most of this producer's ports. Drink now through 2019.