1990 Dow's Quinta do Bomfim Vintage Port

[Bill Crann]

12 hour decant in pitcher w/ wax paper lid. Served at 65F (my cellar temperature). I bought about 6 bottles of this SQVP in the mid '90's because '90 is our anniversary year and this Dow was (and still is) available - I think I'm the only that buys it which may be why my wine merchant still has a half case in the rack. Poured for after dinner drink to our anniversary dinner.
I didn't start popping these until around '00, which was too early. About every other year I've tried one. I think I have 2 bottles left. This has alway been is a subdued VP - even after a 12 hour decant and a good amount of swirling it's kind of drowsy. Color is slightly faded rose - reminds me off '82 S-W Madelina, a surprisingly good Port, but the comparison ends there. I get a faint wiff of the cederwood. Dow dryness and not much fruit - faint orange peel aroma w/ maybe a bit of liquorice. Midpalate is a bit light (diluted?), although the finish is smooth & long. Not bad but I probably won't buy any more. I'll say an 85 out of 100. I need a better anniversary VP - I think I'll look for some '90 Vesuvio.

Update: This wine came around after a 3 days in the fridge. I had to travel & when I returned it was much smoother and fruity - a 90 pt. wine if treated right. So, for me, this wine should be allowed to mellow in the cellar for another 5 years & I'll probably pick up another couple of the bottles languishing in the wine store.

BC